Nats Chat
554 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 17 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 494 ratingsA 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
Meneses Drives in All 3 Runs in the Win
April 27, 2024 04:49 - 37 minutesThe Nats beat the Marlins 3-1 on Friday night in Miami to end their three game skid. Al & Mark have another episode of praise for Trevor Williams as he only allowed one run in five innings of work. He has not had a bad outing in his five starts so far this season. (11:40) The bullpen used three pitchers and threw four shutout frames while issuing zero walks. Derek Law did the bulk of the work as he tossed a pair of innings and came away with the win. (15:45) All eight of the Nationals hits we...
Yamamoto Outduels Gore to Sweep the Nats
April 26, 2024 05:08 - 31 minutesThe Nats were swept by the visiting Dodgers on Thursday afternoon as they came up on the wrong side of a pitcher's duel. Mark & Al begin with MacKenzie Gore's noble effort in defeat as his only blemish was allowing an early Solo HR. Gore also threw over 100 pitches, a rarity for him thus far. L.A.'s starter however, the highly paid Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed six shutout frames. (12:00) The offense could only muster one run and it came on a Joey Meneses RBI single in the bottom of the 8th. Amon...
Routed by L.A.
April 25, 2024 04:55 - 37 minutesThe Nats were clobbered 11-2 by the visiting Dodgers on Wednesday evening. Mark & Al examine the rough start by Jake Irvin as he allowed a dozen hits and six runs in 4.2 IP. This came a week after he tossed six shutout frames against this same lineup at Dodger Stadium. (11:00) It was another night that needed five bullpen arms and the final two did not perform well. Tanner Rainey and Jacob Barnes combined to give up five runs in the final two innings to put the game completely out of reach. T...
Bullpen Struggles in Loss to the Dodgers
April 24, 2024 05:39 - 36 minutesThe Nats lost 4-1 to the Dodgers on Tuesday night in D.C. Al & Mark open with the multiple costly base running miscues that Washington committed, especially the instance that came in the bottom of the 9th. Did third base coach Ricky Gutierrez throw up the "stop sign" too late for Luis Garcia Jr.? (09:00) Lane Thomas injured his leg on a stolen base attempt in the bottom of the 5th. He initially stayed in the game and a few innings he was removed. Thomas will get a MRI on Wednesday morning.......
Parker Blanks the Astros
April 22, 2024 02:59 - 35 minutesThe Nats shutout Houston 6-0 on Sunday afternoon to capture the series. Mark & Al sing the praises of Mitchell Parker, who tossed seven shutout frames in just his 2nd career start. Have they found a "Diamond in the Rough"? (15:30) The offense came through with 11 hits and immediately scored three runs off of Hunter Brown. Luis Garcia Jr. continued his strong April as he had a trio of hits and knocked in two runs. (20:40) Keibert Ruiz will likely make a rehab appearance with AA Harrisburg on T...
Meneses Walk Off Single in Extras Caps the Comeback
April 21, 2024 03:40 - 36 minutesThe Nats topped the Astros 5-4 in 10 innings on Saturday afternoon in D.C.. Mark relays to Al what the atmosphere was like at Nationals Park as this was centerpiece of the 2019 World Series Anniversary Weekend. (05:00) Joey Meneses had three hits and most importantly came through with a RBI single to end the game while DHing. His batting average went up from .182 to .217 due to Saturday's performance. (10:30) Jesse Winker tied up the game with a 2 run single in the bottom of the 9th. One of t...
Short Outing for Gore vs. the Astros
April 20, 2024 05:06 - 39 minutesThe Nats lost 5-3 to the Astros on Friday evening in D.C. Al & Tim discuss MacKenzie Gore only lasting four innings as he needed thirty-seven pitches to get out of the top of the 2nd. (09:00) Riley Adams homered and has continued to produce at the plate while Keibert Ruiz has been out due to the flu. Will Adams see more time at DH when Ruiz returns? (14:30) Davey Martinez was ejected in after the 8th inning following Ildemaro Vargas getting caught stealing. Martinez felt there was obstruction...
Irvin & 'Pen Shutout the Dodgers
April 18, 2024 01:06 - 34 minutesThe Nats blanked the Dodgers 2-0 on Wednesday afternoon to finish their road trip out West with a winning record. Mark (From LA) & Al recap Jake Irvin's excellent outing as he tossed six shutout frames in the victory. One lingering question after his start though was should he have returned for the 7th, given that he only threw 73 pitches? (10:00) Three members of the bullpen combined to preserve the shutout. Kyle Finnegan notched his 7th save of the season while throwing a 1-2-3 bottom of th...
Betts Goes 5 for 5 in Win Over the Nats
April 17, 2024 08:20 - 37 minutesThe Nats lost 6-2 on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium as Mookie Betts went 5 for 5 against Patrick Corbin and the bullpen. Mark (From LA) & Al discuss Corbin starting the season at 0-3 as he gave up nine hits and five runs in 6.1 IP. This leads to a discussion on the chances of Corbin losing his rotation spot at some point during the season. (10:30) The only runs Washington scored came off of Jesse Winker's 2 run HR. Winker is currently 3rd in the NL in OPS, only trailing Betts and Atlanta's M...
Mitchell Parker Earns the Win in His Debut
April 16, 2024 08:20 - 36 minutesThe Nats bounced back with a 6-4 series opening victory on Monday night at Dodger Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day. Mark (From LA) & Al begin with praise for Mitchell Parker, who won his MLB debut while facing the loaded Dodgers lineup. It is shockingly the first Nationals pitcher to win his debut since Stephen Strasburg back in 2010. Mark runs through the laundry list of past pitchers who could not pull off the feat in the past 14 years. (09:00) Four bullpen arms were used and no walks were is...
Big Lead Squandered in Oakland
April 15, 2024 02:26 - 30 minutesThe Nats led 6-1 in Oakland but it all fell apart in the 6th inning and they ultimately lost 7-6. Mark (Live from the Oakland Coliseum) & Al recap the disappointing series finale. (04:36) Derek Law gave up four runs despite retiring the first batter he faced in the bottom of the 6th. This blighted Trevor Williams' final line as two of the three runs he ceded came with Law on the mound. This was another game with many bullpen arms used, as the team sent out 13 relievers collectively over the w...
Gore Strikes Out 11 A's in the Win
April 14, 2024 04:00 - 32 minutesThe Nats beat the Athletics 3-1 in California on Saturday afternoon as MacKenzie Gore tied a career high with 11 strikeouts. Mark (Live from Oakland Coliseum) & Al discuss the southpaw's sterling outing that saw five shutout innings on 90 pitches. (08:45) CJ Abrams had a pair of hits including a RBI triple and Al notes that it seems like the team's success is directly correlated to Abrams' performance. The triple scored Jacob Young and Mark points out how just how lighting quick both of them ...
Irvin Pitches Well but a Walkoff Loss
April 13, 2024 07:45 - 33 minutesThe Nats lost 2-1 in Oakland on Friday evening in 10 innings of play. Mark (Live from Oakland Coliseum) & Al begin by noting that this is the final season in this particular stadium as the team will temporarily relocate to Sacramento next year, before ultimately settling in Las Vegas. (04:40) Jake Irvin only allowed a solo homer in 6 IP on just 74 pitches for his best start of the season thus far. (08:00) Jesse Winker went 4 for 4 and was the lone source of offense as he clubbed a solo homer ...
No Sweep for Corbin & the Nats
April 11, 2024 04:03 - 38 minutesThe Nats lost 7-1 on Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco, ending their three game win streak. Al & Mark (Live from Oracle Park) recap a quiet day for the bats as they only mustered four hits in defeat. The only run came from Joey Gallo, who now has a trio of homers on the young season. (05:30) Catcher Drew Millas was called up and started behind the plate, replacing Joan Adon on the roster. Millas stepped in for Keibert Ruiz who wasn't feel well, but immediately was sent back down to the min...
Another Win But Gray to the IL
April 10, 2024 08:20 - 38 minutesThe Nats held on 5-3 in San Francisco on Tuesday night for their 3rd straight victory. Mark (Live from SF) & Al though begin with the news from pregame that Josiah Gray is headed to the 15 day IL with a right elbow/ forearm flexor strain. Despite the news, there were some positive indications from both Gray and Davey Martinez that this does not necessarily mean season ending surgery or anything of that magnitude. (11:45) Taking Gray's place in the rotation was Joan Adon who serviceable in his...
Lipscomb & Co. Spoil Snell's Giants Debut
April 09, 2024 07:39 - 32 minutesThe Nats cruised to an 8-1 victory on Monday night in San Francisco to begin their west coast road trip. Mark (Live from Oracle Park) & Al begin with the Nationals offense knocking Blake Snell out of the affair after just three innings of work with his new team. The reigning NL Cy Young winner did not sign with the Giants until mid March and therefore missed the bulk of Spring Training. (05:00) CJ Abrams missed a third straight game, but Mark notes that he did take infield practice in pregame...
Nats Avoid the Sweep + Team Issues Statement on Strasburg
April 08, 2024 02:33 - 38 minutesThe Nats ended their three game skid with a 3-2 victory over the visiting Phillies on Sunday afternoon. Al & Tim start with MacKenzie Gore's solid performance as earned his first win of 2024 in 5.2 IP of work. A trio of bullpen pitchers (Weems, Harvey, and Finnegan) then combined for ten scoreless outs. (11:15) Lane Thomas had his best game of the season as he had a pair of hits, stole three bases, and scored the final two runs. The negative for the offense was that CJ Abrams missed a second ...
Strasburg Officially Retires
April 07, 2024 03:26 - 38 minutesThe Nats lost 5-2 to the Phillies but afterwards in a very subtle manner, it came across the MLB.com's transactions log that Stephen Strasburg is retiring. Mark & Al react to the news that the Strasburg saga has finally been wrapped up. The next homestand will serve as the 5th anniversary celebration of the World Series title as Houston will be in town and they wonder if the timing of that weekend played a role in the eventual resolution. (15:40) CJ Abrams was a late scratch due to a bone bru...
Shutout on A Cold Friday Night
April 06, 2024 05:38 - 38 minutesOn a chilly night in the District, the Nats were blanked 4-0 by the Phillies. Mark & Al start with the struggling offense as they only totaled two hits on the evening. One of those was squandered by poor base running as CJ Abrams tried to stretch an early single into a double. (06:25) Lane Thomas was hitless and is mightily slumping this season. So far he is just 2 for 28 at the plate and has not had a hit since the home opener. (10:00) Trey Lipscomb was charged with his 2nd throwing error of...
Gray Gets Hammered Again
April 05, 2024 04:37 - 36 minutesThe Nats lost 7-4 to Pittsburgh in D.C. to drop a 2nd straight rubber match as they are now 2-4 on the season. Al & Mark recap another bad outing by Josiah Gray as he gave up four runs in the opening inning. His ERA so far this season after a pair of starts is 14.04. (14:00) The offense totaled eight hits after trying to dig themselves out from the early deficit. Lane Thomas was for 0 for 4 and so far he is hitting just .179 on the young season. (18:00) Joey Gallo doubled and drew a walk in w...
Gallo Homers as Trevor Williams Earns the Win
April 04, 2024 05:13 - 38 minutesWednesday was filled with rain in the DMV, but the skies were clear enough in the early evening for a 5-3 Nationals victory over Pittsburgh. Mark & Al start with Joey Gallo as his first hit with the franchise was fittingly a solo HR. He then later added two more hits after beginning the season 0 for 12. (08:00) Luis Garcia Jr. doubled three times and knocked in a run. It is the first time in Garcia's career that he pulled off that feat. (11:40) CJ Abrams had another impressive performance as ...
More Bullpen Woes in Home Opening Loss
April 02, 2024 04:30 - 36 minutesThe Nats lost 8-3 to the Pirates in their sold out home opener to begin the season 1-3 for the sixth consecutive year. Mark & Al recap a second straight day filled with bullpen struggles as the game was tied at 4 entering the top of the 8th. Matt Barnes and Tanner Rainey shared responsibility for the four late Pirates runs and overall the quartet of Nats relievers gave up ten hits in the afternoon. (12:00) MacKenzie Gore threw a so-so start as he gave up a trio of runs in 5.1 IP on 101 pitche...
Finnegan Blows the Rubber Match
April 01, 2024 04:00 - 31 minutesThe Nats came one out shy of winning the opening series of the season as they lost 6-5 on Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati. Mark (Live from Cincy) & Al recap the loss where a 5-3 lead with two outs in the 9th quickly turned into a Reds walk-off HR given up by Kyle Finnegan. (07:30) Trey Lipscomb homered in just his 2nd career game and continues to impress at 3B. (11:00) CJ Abrams also homered on Sunday, but Al takes issue with a decision for him to attempt a sacrifice bunt despite it working ou...
9th Inning Rally Leads to First Win of the Season
March 31, 2024 04:41 - 36 minutesThe Nats scored 3 runs in the 9th to escape with a 7-6 victory on Saturday afternoon. Mark (From Cincinnati) & Al discuss the comeback, which involved a lot of "Small Ball". Keibert Ruiz tied the game by getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Eddie Rosario continued his strong start to the season with the go ahead sacrifice fly. CJ Abrams had a excellent game as he scored a trio of runs and also stole 3 bases in the win. (11:00) Trey Lipscomb made his Major League debut as the start...
Opening Day Loss: Senzel Injured & Gray Hit Hard
March 29, 2024 05:44 - 41 minutesThe Nats were routed 8-2 on Opening Day on Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati . Mark (Live from Cincy) & Al recap the defeat that got off to an immediate negative tone as third baseman Nick Senzel broke his thumb while fielding a ground ball in warmups. Then Josiah Gray allowed seven runs before the 3rd inning was over, including allowing a pair of HRs to Nick Martini, who entered the game with only 8 career HRs. (16:20) The offense was very ineffective as only one runner reached scoring positi...
2024 Season Preview
March 25, 2024 21:21 - 49 minutesMark is back from Florida and so are the Nats as Opening Day is Thursday in Cincinnati. He & Al begin start with the prospect likeliest to begin in Ohio this week and it's not James Wood or Dylan Crews. Hear all the factors that led to Trey Lipscomb escalation up the depth chart within the organization. Lipscomb is an infielder and was drafted by Washington in the 3rd round of the 2022 Draft after playing at the University of Tennessee. (12:00) An update on the starting rotation which will in...
Gray Named Opening Day Starter
March 20, 2024 17:42 - 46 minutesAs Opening Day approaches next week, Mark (From West Palm) & Al react to Davey Martinez giving Josiah Gray the nod to take the mound on March 28th in Cincinnati. Patrick Corbin, who started Opening Day the past two seasons, will get the ball in Game #2. MacKenzie Gore is expected to be the starting pitcher for the home opener on Monday April 1st. (15:20) An update on the bullpen and which arms are healthy as the regular season approaches. (19:15) A look at the outfield and first base from a d...
James Wood's Chances to Make the Opening Day Roster
March 06, 2024 05:32 - 42 minutesOpening 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 minutesThe 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 minutesMark 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 minutesAl & 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 hourThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesOn 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 minutesThe 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 minutesA 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 minutesThe 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 ...