Nats at Mets II

[Jollay]

Atilano shuts out the Mets for five plus innings before giving way to Doug Slaten and now Tyler Walker.

Now the Nats hanging on to a slim 2-1 lead as Walker faces Jose Reyes with runners on first and second with two outs.

Doug Slaten got the Nats out of the sixth inducing Ike Davis to pop into a double play. Slaten then got a crack at pitching the seventh, even against righties (Francoeur and Barajas), but gave up a run and now gives way to Walker.

I like giving Slaten a shot though. He made a mistake not covering first on one Met fast enough but he didn't look bad. He'll get numerous opportunities to excel on this road trip.

(LATE NOTE: WALKER K'S REYES!!!!!!) (onto the 8th)

[Jollay]

Nats roughing up Pedro Feliciano in the 8th...well, except for Bernadina of course.

Dunn a double, Willingham a single, and then Pudge a single (his fourth hit of the game, .400 here he comes again!)

Mejia comes in for the Mets to induce a double play from Ian Desmond, though, and the Nats lead 3-1 now.

[Jollay]

Walker starts the eighth, but Burnett/Bruney finish it. Well, Burnett didn't do anything, but Bruney actually gets two key outs with Francoeur (K) and Barajas (popout) to close the inning.

Baby steps, Brian Bruney, baby steps.

We got to the ninth without using Clippard.

[Jollay]

Still 3-1 with Miguel Batista coming in to go for the save.

I love it. Clippard/Capps needs the day off, and this could be a real confidence builder for the rest of the bullpen.

[Jollay]

1 out, Angel Pagan goes yard. His 17th HR--in five years.

Yeesh. Hope Batista can hang on.

[Jollay]

Batista K's Castillo but Alex Cora singles after taking over the ejected Jose Reyes (after Walker got him he complained a bit much)....and then...

K's Jason Bay!!!!!!!! NATS WIN!!!!!!!!!!! Sole possession of 2nd place now at 18-14.

Olsen versus Niese Tuesday in a battle of lefties.

[Jollay]

Nats lose the second game 8-6 as their bullpen implodes but win the final game in the series this afternoon 6-4.

Clippard gets the loss in Game 2, but the win in Game 3 to go to an amazing 7-1 on the year. Enjoy him before his arm falls off, ladies and gentlemen.

Today Bernadina has two homeruns (his first two in his career), including a two-run shot off K-Rod to win it in the ninth. Craig Stammen didn't pitch that well but had 3 RBIs... so the 7 and 9 hitters drive in all the Nats runs.

Wow. K-Rod is going to be easy to heckle next week at Nats Park. Our RF's may not produce, but they produce against him. Bernadina today, and Justin Maxwell last year with the grand slam in the final home game last year.

Nats are now 19-15 with a 4-2 record against the Amazin' Mets.