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Nats Chat

527 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 487 ratings

A Washington Nationals podcast offering recap and analysis after every game, plus all the breaking news throughout the year. Hosted by Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com & Al Galdi, host of "The Al Galdi Podcast". For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Shovers at [email protected].

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Episodes

James Wood's Chances to Make the Opening Day Roster

March 06, 2024 05:32 - 42 minutes

Opening Day is under a month away as Mark & Al convene to discuss the latest with the Nationals. James Wood has been the star of Spring Training and that is where the conversation begins. What are the chances the 21-year-old will be with the Nats on March 28th in Cincinnati? (08:30) An update on how Dylan Crews and Robert Hassell III have looked during Grapefruit League play. (11:30) An explanation of the complicated Prospect Promotion Initiative (PPI) that factors into the decision of wheth...

James Wood Goes Deep & the Lerners Aren't Selling

February 26, 2024 05:08 - 57 minutes

The Nats have played a pair of Grapefruit League games and James Wood homered in each one. Mark & Al begin by discussing the team's #2 ranked prospect's mammoth shots in West Palm and Jupiter over the weekend. Wood is 21 years old spent the bulk of 2023 with Double-A Harrisburg. Meanwhile, Robert Hassell III tripled on Saturday night and Dylan Crews already came through with a diving catch. (11:45) Keibert Ruiz's had a rough start to Spring as he was charged with two catcher interference call...

Prospect Promise but Strasburg Drama Lingers

February 16, 2024 14:51 - 50 minutes

Mark is down in West Palm Beach, Florida for the beginning of Nats Spring Training and relays to Al what he's seen thus far. James Wood has already reported and it is emblematic of the high profile prospects that will garner a lot of attention down at camp unlike the past few seasons. (13:30) Despite the optimism for the future, a negative story line from the past remains as there is still a vacant locker for Stephen Strasburg. Mark explains the complicated situation that was not resolved ove...

New Look Front Office Interview

January 15, 2024 07:01 - 46 minutes

Al & Mark are back in 2024 in what continues to be a very sleepy offseason for the Nationals. The episode begins with an exciting podcast announcement as it relates to the NL East. (12:25) We are joined by two important new additions to the organization who just came over from Baltimore. Brad Ciolek, Senior Director Amateur Scouting, and Danny Haas, VP of Amateur Scouting. A true "Inside Baseball" segment as they give a peek into the world of scouting and the exhaustive preparation head of th...

Soto Traded Again

December 07, 2023 21:39 - 42 minutes

The Winter Meetings wrapped up with a flurry of news as Mark has returned home from Nashville. He and Al begin by evaluating the Nick Senzel signing to a one year deal. If he primarily plays 3B, what does mean for Brady House's timeline? This comes as Jeimer Candelario agreed to terms with Cincinnati where Senzel played last season. (10:15) The Nats acquired Nasim Nunez from the Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft. Get to learn about the young shortstop. (19:00) Juan Soto has been traded again and he...

Winter Meetings Latest

December 05, 2023 08:16 - 49 minutes

The MLB Winter Meetings are underway as Mark (Live from Nashville) & Al check in on the latest regarding the Nationals off-season. Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez each addressed the media and there are indications that this could be another slow Hot Stove for Washington. How does Jeimer Candelario fit into all of that? (19:00) The Stephen Strasburg situation was addressed and we still have not yet reached a resolution. (26:00) An explanation as to why Joey Meneses' did not have the power we all...

Remembering Frank Howard + Earlier Start Times

November 07, 2023 05:15 - 1 hour

The Texas Rangers won their 1st World Series title to officially bring on the MLB's off-season. Al & Mark begin with a quick recap of the successful Podcast Party last month at Walter's. Thanks to all who came! (04:00) The Nationals announced that weeknight evening games will begin 20 minutes earlier at 6:45pm. This seems to be a way to encourage more fans to be able to stay for the final few innings, but what about those who don't get off work until around 6:30pm? (11:30) Roll call and analy...

Abrams Steals Franchise Record in Closing Win

October 02, 2023 03:07 - 43 minutes

The Nats ended 2023 on a high note as they defeated the Braves 10-9 in a Sunday Slugfest. Mark (From Georgia) & Al wrap-up the 71 win campaign; which was 16 more victories than a season ago. Washington ended up beating Atlanta 5 times and were never swept from the NL East Champs. (05:30) CJ Abrams stole a pair of bases in the finale to surpass Trea Turner's previous franchise mark. Abrams ended at 47 swipes, which just nosed past Turner's 46 stolen bases in 2017. (12:30) Lane Thomas concluded...

Game 161: Early 3-0 Lead Goes to Waste

October 01, 2023 06:18 - 38 minutes

The Nats lost 5-3 on Saturday night in Atlanta despite jumping out to an early edge. Mark (From ATL) & Al examine how the offense immediately attached Spencer Strider, but then went silent after the 1st inning. (06:25) CJ Abrams had a pair of hits and stole his 45th base of the year. He trails Trea Turner (46 - 2017) by just one stolen base for the franchise record in a single season. (11:00) Joan Adon only lasted 4 IP in his final start of the season. Adon made 10 starts and his ERA was a wo...

70 Wins After 5 Homer Barrage

September 30, 2023 06:32 - 38 minutes

The Nats out-slugged the Braves on Friday night for their 70th victory on the season. Mark ( From ATL) & Al recap the 10-6 victory that saw Washington crush 5 home runs as Dom Smith continued his scorching September with his 6th trip around the bases this month. (07:40) Carter Kieboom went deep while getting the start in his hometown. The hosts handicap where Kieboom fits into the organizational plans and show why this past stretch might be his last real opportunity to make an impression. (11...

Game 159: Bats Quiet Again + Sam Holbrook Interview

September 28, 2023 04:44 - 38 minutes

The Nats were swept in their 2 game series in Baltimore as they fell 5-1 on Wednesday night. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al have another Nationals loss to discuss as the team is now 7-17 in September. (06:45) Patrick Corbin took the "L" in his final outing of the season. He wraps up with a 10-15 record, ERA of 5.20, and a staggeringly high WHIP of 1.48. Corbin threw 180 IP, up from 152.2 IP. (18:45) Jake Alu had a RBI single; which shockingly was the only run Washington scored on Baltimore all...

Gray Closes His Season w/ a Solid Outing

September 27, 2023 04:45 - 35 minutes

The Nats lost 1-0 on Tuesday night in Baltimore, to begin their final road trio of the season. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al though begin by honoring Brooks Robinson, the Orioles Hall of Fame 3rd Baseman, who passed away prior to the game at age 86. Robinson was an 18 time All Star and won 16 Gold Gloves (2nd most all time). (02:00) Josiah Gray only allowed 1 run in 6 IP in what is his final start of the season. Gray dropped his ERA to 3.91 to conclude his All Star season. Al poses the questi...

Rutledge Earns 1st Career Win in DH Split

September 25, 2023 05:24 - 35 minutes

On the final day of play this season at Nationals Park, the Nats and Braves split the Sunday doubleheader. Mark & Al open with Jackson Rutledge coming away with his 1st career MLB victory in his 3rd start since getting called up. Rutledge went the minimum 5 IP and is expected to face Atlanta again next weekend. (08:00) Lane Thomas reached the 20/20 plateau and is the first player in franchise history to accomplish that feat since Bryce Harper in 2016. (16:10) Jacob Young had an excellent Game...

Doolittle Hangs 'Em Up

September 23, 2023 06:00 - 37 minutes

The Nats lost 9-6 to the Braves on what was a very busy Friday in Navy Yard. Mark & Al start with the offense somehow going just 1 for 16 with runners in scoring position. CJ Abrams paced the lineup as he had a pair of hits, 3 RBIs, and stole his 43rd base of the season. (10:40) Patrick Corbin immediately fell behind 3-0 and the game began by him surrendering Ronald Acuna Jr.'s 40th homer of the season. Acuna is only the 5th player to join the 40/40 club and is the first since Alfonso Soriano...

Game 154: Atlanta Cuts Irvin's Night Short

September 22, 2023 05:35 - 33 minutes

A day after an easy win, the Nats were smashed by the visiting Braves 10-3 on Thursday evening. Al & Tim recap Jake Irvin's short outing that ended in the top of the 3rd. It matches his shortest start of the season when he also had 2.2 IP vs. Detroit back in May. (11:00) Cory "The Janitor" Abbott struck out 8 Atlanta hitters while throwing nearly 5 innings of mop-up duty. This comes on the 14th consecutive day of play for the Nationals as they have a very fatigued bullpen. (19:45) Alex Call ...

Game 153: Thomas Hits a Grand Slam in a Rare Laugher

September 21, 2023 05:18 - 37 minutes

The Nats pummeled the White Sox 13-3 for a rare easy victory on Wednesday afternoon. Mark & Al have plenty of fun items to discuss as the offense came through with a trio of homers and 14 hits. Lane Thomas grand slam broke the game open in the bottom of the 3rd to give Washington a comfortable 8-1 lead. CJ Abrams matched Thomas' feat of reaching base four times as he was able to draw a pair of walks in the win. (16:30) Dom Smith homered for the 5th time this month after only having 6 dingers ...

Rutledge Impresses Before "Joey Four Bags" Comes Through

September 20, 2023 05:13 - 35 minutes

The Nats outlasted the White Sox 4-3 on a Tuesday evening with a lot to smile about. Mark & Al open with Jackson Rutledge's solid start after he had a disappointing debut last week. Rutledge only allowed a pair of solo homers and is the first Washington rookie pitcher to make it into the 7th of his home debut since Stephen Strasburg (2010). (10:45) Cade Cavalli talked to reporters pregame in D.C. and surprisingly revealed that he will be back on the mound in June. Mark relays his first hand a...

Game 151: Clevinger Goes the Distance in D.C.

September 19, 2023 05:13 - 34 minutes

The Nats began their final homestand with a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the White Sox on Monday night. Al & Tim wonder why Dom Smith & Mike Clevinger got into it in the moments after Smith's 9th inning solo HR that led to the benches briefly clearing. It was the only time that Clevinger was uncomfortable all evening; on his way to a complete game victory. (10:00) CJ Abrams was picked off and these sort of instances seem to be quite common. Is Eric Young JR. definitely returning as 1st Base Coa...

Game 150: Skid Ends in Milwaukee

September 18, 2023 02:21 - 32 minutes

The Nats ended their 5 game losing streak by edging Milwaukee 2-1 on Sunday afternoon in extra innings. Mark (From **Miller Park) & Tim begin with Michael Chavis, who spearheaded a game ending double play to escape a bases loaded jam. Chavis was not in the starting lineup, but stayed at 1B after pinch running for Dom Smith in the 9th inning. (09:20) The Brewers are on the verge of winning the NL Central, but the numbers suggest they have a similarly modest offense as the last place Nationals....

Game 149: Finnegan Gives up Decisive Grand Slam

September 17, 2023 06:02 - 35 minutes

The Nats lost again on their road trip, a 9-5 defeat on Saturday evening in Milwaukee. Mark (From Wisconsin) & Al explain how a game that seemed out of reach for awhile all of a sudden became a tied affair in the 8th inning. The Brewers struck back with a Grand Slam from Mark Canha in the bottom of the frame off of Kyle Finnegan. (04:15) Trevor Williams had an awful start and only made it 2 innings. Should Williams stay in the rotation for the final weeks? (23:00) Luis Garcia homered for the ...

Game 148: September Swoon Continues

September 16, 2023 06:46 - 37 minutes

The Nats lost 5-3 in Milwaukee on Friday night as they are now just 3-10 in September. Mark (From Wisconsin) & Al point out how the beleaguered lineup mightily struggled despite scoring 3 immediate runs off of Wade Miley. There was some brief confusion during a Miley vs. Lane Thomas at bat regarding pitch clock rules and Mark explains what the fuss was all about. (16:30) Thomas hit his 25th of the year and this includes not having any in April. The last time that a National hit 30+ homers in...

Gray Shines in Speedy Defeat

September 15, 2023 02:51 - 31 minutes

The Nats were shutout Thursday afternoon in Pittsburgh, but overall it was a good day for the organization. Al & Tim rehash Gray's sterling outing where he struck out 10 Pirates; serving as his season high for Ks. He potentially has 3 starts remaining and 2 of them might come against the division champion Braves. This was the quickest game of the season; clocking in at 1 hour and 50 minutes. (19:00) A veteran listener writes in to us his strong opinion as to why he is disappointed that Mike R...

Rizzo Officially Agrees to Extension

September 14, 2023 05:10 - 43 minutes

The Nats lost 7-6 in Pittsburgh, but on Wednesday morning the news became official that GM Mike Rizzo agreed to an extension with the franchise. Mark & Al spend plenty of time dissecting all facets to the news and what it means for the Rebuild. Hear what Rizzo had to say for the next phase, why Davey Martinez's deal got done first, and his commentary about the Lerner's. Is extending Rizzo the right call long-term? (29:00) The Nationals turned an early 7-2 deficit into 7-5 entering the top of ...

Jackson Rutledge, Former 1st Rounder, Getting Called Up

September 13, 2023 04:31 - 32 minutes

The Nats lost 5-1 in Pittsburgh on Tuesday evening for their 80th loss of the season. Mark & Al begin with the news that Jackson Rutledge, RHP selected in the 1st Round of the 2019 Draft, will make his MLB debut on Wednesday night. His ERA this season is 3.71 and it comes through stints at Harrisburg and Rochester. His road to "The Show" has been a bumpy one, but lets see how beautiful it turns out. (11:15) Joan Adon had another no so good outing as he allowed 4 runs in as many innings on 93 ...

Game 144: Abrams Homers Twice in Win

September 12, 2023 04:33 - 33 minutes

The Nationals began this week's road trip on the right foot with a 6-3 victory on Monday night in Pittsburgh. Al & Tim dive into CJ Abrams' big evening as he had his 1st multi HR game of his career. Abrams is 5th in the NL among shortstops with 18 career HRs. (15:00) Patrick Corbin took home the W for his 6.2 IP effort where he only allowed a pair of runs. Corbin leads the team with 158.1 IP, which is 17 innings more than Josiah Gray. (25:00) Al points out that the Nats have never had a close...

Game 143: Williams Allows a Hit Parade

September 11, 2023 04:27 - 29 minutes

Amid yet another rain delay, the Nats lost 7-3 to the Dodgers on Sunday in the series rubber match. Al & Mark start with Trevor Williams. who had another poor outing in a season where his ERA sits at 5.44. Williams has given up 14 earned runs in just 2 September starts. (13:00) Joe LaSorsa performed yeoman's effort as he came up just shy of pitching all of the final 4 innings. LaSorsa joined the team on Friday after his recent stint in Rochester. (21:30) A check in on Carter Kieboom who has b...

Game 142: Chavis Scores on Wild Pitch to End Marathon Day

September 10, 2023 07:17 - 40 minutes

The Nats outlasted the 1st place Dodgers in extra innings for a 7-6 victory on Saturday afternoon following a 4+ hour rain delay. Mark & Al wonder if Jake Irvin is sneakily the best story of the franchise's season after he threw another solid outing on the mound. His ERA is at 4.20; which is a far improvement from when he last faced LA in late May (5.67 ERA). (13:40) Lane Thomas returned after sitting out all week due to an ailing back and homered for the fourth consecutive game that he's pla...

Strasburg Drama Amid Defeat

September 09, 2023 08:21 - 52 minutes

The Nats lost 8-5 on Friday night vs. the visiting the Dodgers, but that was hardly top of mind locally. Mark & Al sift through all the busy back drop currently involving the organization as it seemed like there was an endless avalanche of news reports involving the Front Office during Thursday's day-off. (04:00) As for the game, MacKenzie Gore struggled and only lasted 4 IP as he returned from the Beareavment List. This is the 3rd consecutive outing that he did not exceed 5 innings of work a...

Game 140: Young Walks-Off the Losing Streak

September 07, 2023 06:03 - 41 minutes

The Nats ended their 6 game skid by edging past the Mets 3-2 in a Wednesday evening walk-off victory. Al & Mark start with Jacob Young's decisive single over New York as he owns an 8 game hitting streak; which commenced shortly after his MLB debut. (07:20) CJ Abrams swiped 2 more bases and joins rare franchise territory with 40+ stolen bases on the season (Trea Turner 2x, Alfonso Soriano). The most impressive part is his success rate as he only has been thrown out 3 times this season. (16:20)...

Game 139: Corbin Clobbered as Skid Reaches 6

September 06, 2023 05:15 - 35 minutes

The Nats lost 11-5 to the visiting Mets on Tuesday; in a game in which they immediately trailed by 4 runs. Mark & Al sing a familiar song, which is recapping a rough outing by Patrick Corbin. He has now given up 30 homers this season and the only NL pitcher who has allowed more this season is his teammate Trevor Williams (33). (13:00) Andres Machado immediately gave up a homer to Pete Alonso upon taking the mound. Hear the jarring stat of how many times that has occurred among Washington reli...

Game 138: Gray Only Lasts 4 Innings

September 04, 2023 02:13 - 37 minutes

The Nats were swept for the third time this season by Miami and on Sunday they fell 6-4. Mark & Al note the 5th consecutive loss and that they finally will get an off-day on Monday. (04:00) Josiah Gray had a short outing and had a nightmarish opening inning. This included allowing a solo HR, issuing 3 straight walks, and jawing at Jacob Young at the end of the frame for misplaying a fly ball in the sun. He ultimately only lasted 4 IP and it casts doubt on when he next take the mound. (14:00) ...

Longtime International Scouting Director Resigns

September 03, 2023 02:42 - 39 minutes

The Nats rough stretch continued as they were flattened 11-5 by the Marlins on Saturday afternoon. They have dropped 6 of their past 7 and are a wretched 2-10 this season vs. the Marlins. Mark & Al though begin with the big organizational news that came pregame as Johnny DiPuglia, veteran Director of International Scouting since 2009, is resigning from his position. Is this related to the ongoing contractual negotiations between Mike Rizzo and the franchise? (17:00) Trevor Williams had an awf...

Back In Last Place

September 02, 2023 06:31 - 39 minutes

The Nats lost 8-5 in extras on Friday night to visiting Miami for their 5th defeat in the past 6 games. Adding additional insult to the evening is that the Mets beat Seattle to move back in front of Washington by a half game. Al & Mark recap the 11 inning defeat; which required 6 IP by 6 different relievers. (17:15) The Nationals slugged 3 dingers on Friday and one of them came from Travis Blankenhorn in his first game since getting called up by Rochester. He hit 5th playing LF and this seaso...

Game 135: Marlins Pound Adon

September 01, 2023 04:54 - 33 minutes

The Nats successful August (17-11) came to anti climatic conclusion as they lost 6-1 on Thursday night in the series opener vs. the Marlins. Al & Tim discuss the struggling offense; which only scored 1 run in the past 2 games. The lineup was dealt a tough blow pregame as Lane Thomas was a late scratch due to back tightness. (14:10) Joan Adon allowed 5 runs in as many innings and gave up 9 hits along the way. Adon has been on opposite ends of the spectrum in his 5 Big League starts since being...

Game 134: Series Streak Snapped

August 31, 2023 02:03 - 32 minutes

The Nats long winning road trip ended with a thud as they were shutout Wednesday afternoon in Toronto. Mark (From Canada) & Al note this end a string of 5 consecutive series victories. The offense was no match for Chris Bassit, who only allowed 3 hits in 8 IP. (08:00) CJ Abrams was 0 for 4 in the loss Al points out the surprisingly disappointing numbers for the young SS in August. His .229 average this month is far lower than when he hit .327 in July. (15:00) Patrick Corbin gave up 10 hits in...

Game 133: Kieboom & Ruiz Go Deep in Toronto Win

August 30, 2023 06:20 - 37 minutes

The Nats held off Toronto 5-4 for a dramatic win against the AL Wild Card contender. Mark (From Ontario) & Al begin with the bullpen that clung on to the lead, but allowed 3 runs in 4 IP. Kyle Finnegan loaded the bases with no outs while nursing a 2 run lead, but was able to emerge with his 25th save of the season. (12:30) The Nationals hit a pair of homers on Tuesday night for all of their offensive production. Carter Kieboom homered for the 3rd time since joining the team and Keibert Ruiz l...

Game 132: Quick Hook for Gray

August 29, 2023 05:57 - 30 minutes

Josiah Gray's rough August continued as he only lasted 2 innings in Monday night's 6-3 loss at Toronto. Al & Mark (From Canada) recap Gray's gruesome start and what seems to be wrong with his pitching mechanics. This month in five starts, the right hander's ERA is at 8.84 with 17 walks issued. (17:30) CJ Abrams had a very electric evening (error aside) as he had a trio singles and also stole 3 bases. Abrams now has 37 stolen bases on the season and is seriously threatening Trea Turner's franc...

Game 131: Williams Pitches Well in Defeat

August 28, 2023 04:27 - 24 minutes

The Nats came up short in their sweep attempt as they fell 2-1 on Sunday afternoon in Miami. Al gets you up to speed on the catching situation as Riley Adams started every game this series while Keibert Ruiz has been out of the starting lineup since taking a foul ball to the mask on Wednesday in New York. It is important to note that Ruiz did pinch hit and minor league catcher Drew Millas will join the team on Monday in Toronto per Mark's report. (05:00) Trevor Williams had a solid outing, bu...

Game 130: Rally Caps Donned in the 9th

August 27, 2023 07:26 - 23 minutes

Facing a 2-1 deficit in the top of the 9th, the Nats rallied to come away with a 3-2 win in Miami. Al, always a pragmatic one, wonders if a .500 season is in play, believe it or not. They would need to go 20-12 over the final stretch to meet the threshold. Washington is now two games ahead of the last place Mets. (07:30) Jacob Young pinch ran in his MLB debut and scored the tying run. Young was a 2nd round pick in the 2021 draft and played a portion of the season at four different levels. (14...

Out of Last Place

August 26, 2023 07:01 - 40 minutes

The Nats beat the Marlins 7-4 and later on Friday night the Mets lost to lift Washington into solo possession of 4th place in the NL East. Al & Mark are astonished by yet another Joan Adon start that saw a No Hit bid make it into the 6th. (10:00) Carter Kieboom continues to take advantage of his opportunity as he homered for the 2nd time this week. This does to be his last chance to make it within the organization. (21:00) Alex Call had an eventful evening in Miami as he had an early game col...

Strasburg Reportedly to Retire + Series Win in Gotham

August 25, 2023 05:14 - 47 minutes

The Washington Post broke the news on Thursday that Stephen Strasburg will officially retire as opposed to waiting out the full duration of his 7 year deal. Mark (From The Bronx) & Al marvel at just how busy the Nats news cycle has been ever since heading to Williamsport. The Little League attention, Dylan Crews to AA, Davey Martinez extension, Stone Garrett injury, and now the Strasburg news in just the past 5 days. (10:00) The Nationals defeated the Yankees 6-5 in the matinee in order to ca...

Game 127: Garrett Carted Off in Bronx Loss

August 24, 2023 05:23 - 33 minutes

The Nats were routed on Wednesday night 9-1 at Yankee Stadium in an affair where Aaron Judge hit a trio of homers. Mark (From the Bronx) & Al begin with Stone Garrett needing to be carted off the field after his leg ran into the outfield wall. Garrett was seen covering his face with a towel in the immediate aftermath. (14:40) MacKenzie Gore did not pitch well in this game and allowed 6 runs in just 4 IP. His defense behind him was not very good and the 2nd inning was the undoing as the Yankee...

Davey Extended & Kieboom Goes Deep

August 23, 2023 06:08 - 47 minutes

The Nats began the 3 city road trip on the right foot as they edged the Yankees 2-1 on Tuesday evening for their 20th victory in the past 30 games. Mark (From the Bronx) & Al recap Josiah Gray's strong outing in Yankee Stadium that lasted 6 IP. It is by far his best start this month and his ERA currently sits at 3.82. (10:30) Hunter Harvey struck out both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton during his flawless bottom of the 8th. Harvey has not missed a beat since returning from the IL. (19:00) ...

Crews to Harrisburg and a Williamsport Win

August 21, 2023 06:02 - 40 minutes

Sunday was a special day in Nationals history and it was punctuated with a 4-3 victory over the Phillies at the Little League Classic in Williamsport, PA. Mark (From Historic Bowman Field) tells Al about the unique itinerary, which lasted the entire day and night. (07:10) The Nats jumped all over Zack Wheeler for 4 runs in the opening inning and then the bats went silent after that. Was Wheeler tipping his pitches? Mark points out why the lighting situation at the long time minor league stadi...

Game 124: Phillies Tee Off on Abbott

August 20, 2023 02:54 - 25 minutes

The final score is uglier than it looked, but nonetheless the Nats lost 12-3 to Philadelphia, despite nursing a 3-0 lead entering the late innings. Al recaps Cory Abbott's nightmarish 8th inning where surrendered 8 runs to the Phillies to put the game well out of reach. The fatigued bullpen forced Davey Martinez to stick with Abbott, but immediately afterwards Abbott was sent down to AAA. (14:45) The shame of the day was that Jake Irvin threw 6 shutout IP and struck out 7 in a no decision. It...

Game 123: Nats Get Revenge on Lorenzen

August 19, 2023 05:44 - 40 minutes

The Nats held on to defeat the Phillies 8-7 on Friday evening in Navy Yard. Mark & Al take note of the atmosphere at the Ballpark as the lively crowd saw the Nationals counter the Phillies' 6 run top of the 4th with a half dozen runs of their own. One week after being no hit by Michael Lorenzen, Washington knocked him out after just 3.1 IP. (10:30) Stone Garrett continued his hot month at the plate as he had 3 hits while getting the nod in RF. Mark puts in perspective where Garett fits in/mig...

Game 122: Nats Already Match Last Year's Win Total

August 18, 2023 05:17 - 37 minutes

The Nats hung on 10-7 over Boston to take the series rubber match on Thursday afternoon. Mark & Al put in perspective what the victory symbolizes as they won their 55th game of the season, which equals last year's output with forty games still remaining. Washington has won 6 of their past 8 series and are 6 games over .500 since the All Star Break. (11:30) The offense broke out against Chris Sale to reach double digit runs and saw contributions from all across the lineup. Joey Menses had a pa...

Game 121: Gore's Gem & 4 HRs Lead the Way

August 17, 2023 05:12 - 34 minutes

The Nats topped the Red Sox 6-2 on Wednesday evening in D.C. Al & Mark begin with MacKenzie Gore who had an excellent outing cut short due to a cut nail on a finger on his pitching hand in the 7th inning. Davey Martinez minimized the long term effect of it afterwards, calming the worries of the fans. (12:30) The Nationals clubbed a quarter of home runs from 3 different players in the victory. Keibert Ruiz continued his torrid August with a tie breaking 3 run HR in the bottom of the 8th while ...

Game 120: Gray's Lousy Stretch Continues

August 16, 2023 05:30 - 33 minutes

Josiah Gray's rough August continued on Tuesday as his start ended after just the 3rd inning in the Nats lost 5-4 to the visiting Red Sox. Mark & Al scratch their heads as Gray's post All Star Break is nowhere near how his season began. Davey Martinez afterwards harped on the fact that Gray needs to rely more on his fastball. (19:00) The resurgent bullpen pitched well in defeat as they threw 6 scoreless frames. Hunter Harvey returned from the IL and was immediately called upon to pitch the 9t...

Another Sweep After Furious 9th Inning Rally

August 14, 2023 01:29 - 39 minutes

For the 3rd time since the All Star Break, the Nats pulled off a weekend series sweep. This one came in epic fashion as they trailed 7-2 to begin bottom of the 9th and the affair ended with the unlikeliest of bench players coming through with the walk-off hit in Jeter Downs. Mark & Al collect their breath and then analyze all that went into the comeback victory as Downs was in the game late to replace CJ Abrams at SS, who exited early due to back spasms. (23:20) The bullpen might get two impo...