Nats Chat
555 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 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
"Charlie & Dave" Visit Nats Chat
January 11, 2023 07:22 - 59 minutesThe long time radio duo of "Charlie & Dave" join us for the January edition of Nats Chat, but before the interview Mark & Al update the latest with the organization. We begin with the continuing ownership saga that has now extended into 2023. (14:20) Washington signed a pair of Free Agents recently in Dominic Smith and Corey Dickerson. Where will each fit in defensively? How does all this affect where "Joey Four Bags" gets slotted on the lineup card? (22:10) The Nats also inked RHP Trevor Wil...
Quiet Winter Meetings for the Nats
December 08, 2022 08:54 - 52 minutesThe MLB Winter Meetings have wrapped up and the Nationals.... didn't do much. Mark (Live from San Diego) & Al put into perspective just how little of a splash the team made. We do though unveil our new theme song, courtesy of listener Tim Neumark. There is a timeline for the Angels sale, but what about the Nats? (12:45) Washington made a rare selection in the Rule 5 Draft by selecting RHP Thad Ward from the Red Sox. The team also found that they will select 2nd in next summer's Draft after th...
World Series Over & Another Team in Town For Sale
November 08, 2022 04:41 - 53 minutesThe Astros defeated the Phillies to win the 2022 World Series. Al & Mark reconvene for the first time this off-season and a few weeks after the inaugural Nats Chat Podcast Party at Walter's. They begin with the new development in D.C. sports and that is the fact that the Nationals aren't the only team for sale in the DMV. Will the Commanders sale affect matters on South Capitol Street? (17:05) Washington made minor moves over the weekend as Sean Doolittle is coming back, but not Nelson Cruz. ...
Game 162: Season Ends with a Fedde Clunker
October 06, 2022 03:57 - 32 minutesThe long and difficult 2022 Nationals season is now over as they were blown out 9-2 at the Mets on Wednesday evening as Erick Fedde allowed nine runs in under three innings. Al & Mark (Live from Citi Field) put in perspective how stubbornly this year ended as it was the sixth consecutive day the Nats dealt with rainy weather. (08:03) An unexpected bright spot for this team was the bullpen, which finished in the middle of the pack amongst its MLB brethren. Erasmo Ramirez sported an ERA under 3...
Games 160 & 161: Rizzo Speaks in NY
October 05, 2022 06:52 - 38 minutesThe Nats lost both ends of the doubleheader in New York as they are now just one game away from ending this long season. Mark (Live from Citi Field) & Al recap the nightmarish outing by Paolo Espino, as he allowed three consecutive HRs to open up Game #2. Paolo remains win-less, but did say he is willing to come out of the bullpen on Wednesday if necessary. (10:10) The Braves clinched the NL East on Tuesday night as they won in Miami. The Mets have won 100 games, but will not have a division ...
Game 159: Rain Shortened Loss Concludes Home Slate
October 03, 2022 00:59 - 29 minutesThe Nats lost 8-1 to the Phillies to wrap-up the 81st home game of the season. Mark & Al run through the decision to call the game an hour into the rain delay, while the contest was through six innings. The final few frames were played through difficult conditions in order to play four official games over the course of a rainy weekend. (11:05) Patrick Corbin lost his 19th game of the year as he likely finishes with an ERA of 6.31. The last pitcher to have a season similar to Corbin's struggle...
Games 157 & 158: Meneses Shines & Romero Wears it in Split
October 02, 2022 05:37 - 40 minutesThe Nats & Phillies split their doubleheader that was able to be played despite the ominous forecast. Joey Meneses was the star at the plate in Game 1, where Washington clobbered Philly 13-4, as he had hit a bases clearing double and his 13th HR of the season. Mark & Al discuss the next chapter of his post trade deadline magic carpet ride. (12:10) Luis Garcia had 3 hits and drove in 5 runs on Saturday afternoon. Hear what former National he might be comparable to. However, Garcia made a poor ...
Game 156: Afternoon Loss Before Night Game Postponed
October 01, 2022 02:55 - 34 minutesThe Nats lost 5-1 on Friday afternoon before Game 2 of their doubleheader against the Phillies was postponed. Mark & Al catch you up on this weekend's very confusing schedule, which as of now has a doubleheader slated for Saturday (which was the original plan earlier this week). (11:15) Not only did Philadelphia win the game, but they also dominated in terms of base running. The Phillies were six for six with runners trying to steal, as opposed to Washington who made multiple outs on the base...
Game 155: Abrams' Walk-off Drops the Braves Into 2nd Place
September 29, 2022 05:52 - 35 minutesThe Nats earned their 2nd walkoff win of the month as they edged Atlanta 3-2 in 10 innings. Al & Mark begin with the hero CJ Abrams, who singled in Alex Call to avoid the sweep on Wednesday night. It was a very costly loss for the Braves as they fell a game back of the Mets in the NL East race. (08:01) Josiah Gray ended a string of poor outings as he only allowed a pair of hits in six frames, giving up just one run. Gray also was successful against Atlanta in April, his only other time facing...
Game 154: Paolo's Bid for a Win Falls Short
September 28, 2022 05:17 - 33 minutesPaolo Espino remains without a win this season as the Nats were handled 8-2 by the visiting Braves. Mark & Al point to all the things that went downhill for the Nationals after their early 2-0 lead, including a trio of HRs from the loaded Atlanta offense. (05:06) Washington's defense was sloppy on Tuesday and the infield's effort came across as "casual". The team was only charged with one error, but there many questionable throws throughout the night. The defense has been much better since th...
Game 153: 100th Loss Comes After Elder's Complete Game
September 27, 2022 04:40 - 21 minutesThe Nats were shutout by visiting Atlanta 8-0 as Bryce Elder tossed a complete game. Al begins with Washington reaching the unfortunate mark of 100 losses on the season, and for the first time since 2009. Hear what Davey Martinez had to say regarding this in his post game press conference. (05:03) Elder is the second pitcher this month to go the distance against the Nationals, the other being Miami's Sandy Alcantara. It was also Elder's 1st victory since April 12th. Meanwhile, Cory Abbott was...
Game 152: Meneses HRs in Win Over Miami
September 26, 2022 00:18 - 35 minutesThe Nats ended their difficult season series against Miami with a 6-1 victory on Sunday. Mark (Live from Florida) & Al begin by acknowledging that the Nationals will avoid the dubious distinction of 110 losses this year. (04:20) Joey Meneses homered for the second straight day in the 1st inning and went deep three times on the road trip. He also flashed leather on a few occasions in the victory. Has he locked up 1B for Washington in 2023? (11:55) CJ Abrams had a busy day that was mostly posit...
Game 151: Alcantara Dominates the Nats One More Time
September 25, 2022 04:06 - 34 minutesThe Nats lost 4-1 in Miami as they yet again were no match for Sandy Alcantara. Mark & Al tip their caps for the final time this season to the Cy Young candidate who went 4-0 in five starts in 2022 vs. Washington. (09:42) The offense had a quiet evening, except for Joey Meneses' Solo HR in the opening frame. Alex Call had a good game as he reached base three times (walk, single, HBP). Lane Thomas went 0 for 4 and remains hit-less in his career against Alcantara. (19:30) Erick Fedde took the l...
Game 150: Gray's Outing Sputters in the 6th
September 24, 2022 04:43 - 34 minutesThe Nats lost 5-2 in Miami and Josiah Gray took his 10th loss of the season. Al & Mark (Live from Florida) run through Gray's start, as he had only allowed one run until the Marlins scored three off of him in the 6th. On the bright side, Gray did not allow a home run for the first time in 14 starts. (11:47) Updates on both MacKenzie Gore and Patrick Corbin. Will either guy start a game for Washington in the final stretch? Gore has a rehab start on Monday for Rochester and Corbin left his last...
Game 149: "Joey Four Bags" the Hero in Atlanta
September 22, 2022 00:16 - 39 minutesThe Nats rallied to win 3-2 in Atlanta and avoid the sweep. Mark & Al begin with another dramatic HR by Joey Meneses, who hit a 2 run shot in the 7th to grab the lead. Meneses has hit 10 homers since being called up on August 2nd, including three late HRs that led to victory. (09:45) An emailer inquires about a stain on Meneses' resume, as he was once suspended in Japan for PED use. The hosts explore this part of his career as best they can with little information available on the subject. (1...
Game 148: Corbin Exits Early Due to Back Spasms
September 21, 2022 05:40 - 30 minutesThe Nats lost 3-2 in Atlanta on an evening where Patrick Corbin left the game in the 1st inning due to discomfort in his back. Al & Tim open with the narrow defeat for Washington as they could not capitalize with the bases loaded in the top of the 9th. (07:48) Corbin only recorded two outs before exiting on Tuesday night. Could this end his season? He entered the evening with 18 losses on the season and no pitcher has lost 20 games since 2003 (Mike Maroth- Detroit). The Nationals were able to...
Game 147: Meneses Muscles 4 Hits in Defeat
September 20, 2022 05:05 - 35 minutesThe Nats lost 5-2 in Atlanta to begin a six game road trip. Al & Mark focus on how these games are of supreme importance to the Braves, who are just a game back of the Mets for the division lead. Atlanta is seeking a fifth consecutive NL East crown. (05:30) Joey Meneses gathered four hits on Monday and is hitting .325 since being called up on August 2nd. His OPS in abbreviated action this season is .904. The conversation then steers to fellow pleasant surprise, Ildemaro Vargas. (13:45) The te...
Game 146: Alcantara's Complete Game Spoils the Sweep
September 18, 2022 23:44 - 29 minutesThe Nats lost to Miami 3-1 as Sandy Alcantara bolstered his Cy Young case by throwing a 103 pitch Complete Game. Al & Mark tip their caps to the Marlins right hander, who is 3-0 this year vs. Washington in four starts. (03:30) Lane Thomas got the day off despite his surge as of late, because his career numbers against Alcantara have not been good (0 for 11 w/ 6 Ks). Do you agree with the manager filling out his lineup cards in this manner? His teammates had yet another game filled with base r...
Game 145: Nats Victoriously Slug 4 HRs
September 18, 2022 02:20 - 32 minutesThe Nats beat Miami 5-3 to guarantee a series win while hitting four solo homers and oddly enough not singling. Mark & Al run through the offensive stars from the victory, including all the starting outfielders (Thomas/Robles/Call). Lane Thomas for the second straight season is hitting well post trade deadline and the hosts wonder where he fits into the 2023 lineup. (06:50) Victor Robles homered for just the 10th time post 2019, but this one went over 400 feet. He had been out of the lineup f...
Game 144: "Joey Four Bags" Inside-the-Park HR Ignites Rally
September 17, 2022 06:17 - 43 minutesThe Nats rallied in the late innings to edge the Marlins 5-4 and snap a five game skid. Al & Mark begin with how the comeback started; "Joey Four Bags" Inside-the-Park in the bottom of the 7th. Meneses now has slugged nine HRs since being called up after the trade deadline. (06:10) CJ Abrams had a two run triple to tie up the affair in the pivotal 7th and his average this month is up to .313. His infield mate Ildemaro Vargas delivered the go ahead hit; a RBI ground rule double in the bottom o...
Game 143: O's Rally on Thompson in the 7th
September 15, 2022 05:24 - 33 minutesThe Nats lost their 5th straight as they fell 6-2 to visiting Baltimore. Al & Tim start with a birds-eye view of the rivalry (or lack thereof) between the two neighboring teams. If they were to do realignment, would you be in favor of them in the same division? (08:25) The National clung to a 2-1 lead entering the top of the 7th, but that quickly evaporated as all four Oriole runs came while Mason Thompson was on the mound. Gunnar Henderson hit a "Little League HR" which perfectly encapsulate...
Game 142: Harvey Takes the Loss Against His Former Team
September 14, 2022 06:28 - 39 minutesThe Nats lost 4-3 to the Orioles despite their early lead. Al & Mark recap Hunter Harvey's pivotal relief outing against his ex-teammates; as he allowed two runs in defeat. It was a busy night for the bullpen due to starter Cory Abbott only lasting three frames. (18:45) CJ Abrams made a crucial base running mistake in the 6th inning that caused an unnecessary out at 3B. Has poor base running been the biggest problem the team has had this year (not counting starting pitching)? While we are in ...
Game 141: Swept After Long Rain Delay
September 12, 2022 03:06 - 29 minutesAfter a rain delay that last over three hours, the Nats lost 7-5 in Philadelphia, completing a sweep. Mark (Live from Philly) & Al begin with the decision by MLB to make sure the game ended on Sunday, despite the long wait. This was a tough way to end a three city/ ten game road trip with no days off in between. (04:48) Anibal Sanchez only lasted two innings before the rain arrived, but issued three walks in that brief time. The bullpen was pressed into extra duty after the delay ended; low l...
Game 140: Harper Continues to Torment Fedde
September 11, 2022 05:38 - 43 minutesThe Nats lost 8-5 and are 1-7 this season in Philadelphia. Al & Mark (Live from Citizens Bank Park) evaluate Erick Fedde's rough outing where his former high school teammate Bryce Harper homered off of him the 6th time in the past four years. The hosts hold a lengthy discussion about what went into the decision to pitch to Harper as opposed to walking him. Is something fundamentally wrong with developing pitching in the organization? (15:50) Cesar Hernandez played 2B on Saturday night had an ...
Game 139: Corbin Dealt His 18th Loss + New Rule Changes
September 10, 2022 06:37 - 51 minutesThe Nats lost 5-3 in Philadelphia for their 90th loss overall and the 18th suffered loss by Patrick Corbin this season. Mark (Live from Philly) & Al recap a bizarre game where zero walks were issued by either pitching staff. Corbin gave up all five runs in just under seven frames, and did so in under 70 pitches. (05:41) CJ Abrams had his best game as he made two web-gems, had a hit, and stole a base. The play he made in the bottom of the 6th might be the infield highlight of the year for the ...
Game 138: Call's 4 Hit Day Leads the Way
September 09, 2022 01:15 - 38 minutesThe Nats bounced back to beat the Cardinals 11-6, giving them a series split. Mark (Live from St. Louis) and Al praise Alex Call who exploded with four hits while hitting ninth, one night after not being make to make a leaping grab to seal the victory. Call originally was not in the lineup, but Victor Robles was a late scratch due to a stiff neck. The offense totaled 18 hits overall on Thursday. (07:17) CJ Abrams had two hits and is hitting .360 so far in September. Nelson Cruz was moved down...
Game 137: Finnegan Blows a 4 Run Lead in the 9th
September 08, 2022 06:54 - 40 minutesThe Nats suffered gut punch 6-5 loss in St. Louis as Kyle Finnegan could not hold onto a four run lead in the bottom of the 9th. Mark (Live from Bush Stadium) & Al though begin with the announcement of our 1st ever Podcast Party, Friday evening October 14th at Walter's Bar in Navy Yard. COME JOIN US! (6:18) The bullpen did its job prior to Finnegan entering the game as Erasmo Ramirez did a good job of bridging the gap in the middle innings. Should Davey have pulled Finnegan when trouble began...
Game 136: Win Streak Ends in St. Louis
September 07, 2022 06:55 - 41 minutesThe Nats lost 4-1 in St. Louis ending their bid for a 4th straight win. Mark (Live from Bush Stadium) & Al discuss the return of Nelson Cruz and the chain effect that it has on the lineup. Cruz being placed at DH means Luke Voit has to play the field and Joey Meneses has to move to the outfield. How should Cruz be handled the rest of the way? (16:10) Meneses knocked a pair of doubles on Tuesday night and joined a short list of MLB players in the process. He has 42 hits in 30 career games, and...
Game 135: Anibal & 'Pen Blank the Cardinals
September 06, 2022 03:26 - 41 minutesThe Nats won their 3rd straight on the road trip, a 6-0 shutout of the NL Central leading Cardinals. Mark (Live from St. Louis) & Al have a lot of positive stats to sort through as Washington has won six of their past eight games. (04:39) CJ Abrams had a four hit afternoon, which included a triple. He seemingly has looked more comfortable at the plate in this recent stretch and he clearly has the ""wheels" when he runs the bases. Keibert Ruiz also had a big game as he slugged his 7th homer of...
Game 134: Nats Take the Series in New York
September 05, 2022 00:45 - 42 minutesThe Nats beat the Mets again 7-1 in the series rubber match. Al & Mark (Live from Citi Field) marvel at how the team has won five of their past seven games and were able to take a series against a 1st place club in a tight divisional race. The offense had a lot of key contributors, including Keibert Ruiz who came up with three hits in a game that he specifically requested to play. (15:10) Ildemaro Vargas had a RBI and also played a pivotal role in a bizarre double play that benefited Washingt...
Game 133: Offense Capitalizes on Corbin's Gem
September 04, 2022 05:56 - 40 minutesThe Nats poured it on in the 9th inning for a 7-1 victory at the Mets; their fourth win in the past six games. (Mark (Live from NY) and Al recap Patrick Corbin's excellent outing where he only allowed one run in seven frames; out-dueling Max Scherzer in the process. Corbin has won his past two starts in the span of a week and has three consecutive solid outings. (12:30) The offense had a very good night and they were paced by the tandem of Luis Garcia and Lane Thomas. They combined for seven ...
Game 132: Gray's Outing Falls Apart in the 6th
September 03, 2022 06:22 - 40 minutesThe Nats lost 7-3 at the Mets to begin a 10 game/ 3 city road trip. Mark (Live from Flushing) and Al begin with Josiah Gray's start, which saw his pitching line marred in the 6th inning. Gray's ERA is nearing 5.00 and the hosts wonder how we should evaluate his mixed bag of a season. (14:03) Steve Cishek was part of the problem in the four run 6th inning as his season long struggles have continued as of late. Should his usage come down significantly in this final month, especially with Mason ...
Game 131: "Joey Four Bags" Walks It Off!
September 02, 2022 04:35 - 45 minutesThe Nats topped Oakland 7-5 in extras for their first walk-off win of the season as "Joey Four Bags" crushed a 3 run shot in the bottom of the 10th. Al & Tim discuss the next chapter in the unlikely story that is Joey Meneses as he now has seven homers since being called up a month ago. Meneses on Thursday had four hits and is hitting a whopping .354 with Washington. (16:10) The other unexpected August addition, Ildemaro Vargas, had a RBI single to tie the game in the bottom of the 8th. He al...
Game 130: Anibal Turns Back the Clock
September 01, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutesThe Nats topped Oakland 5-1 behind Anibal Sanchez's sterling seven inning effort. Mark & Al discuss the veteran righty's strong start as he only allowed a Solo HR and take note of his recent successful stretch on the mound. It was the best outing he has had since Game 1 of the 2019 NLCS. (06:08) CJ Abrams had a good night at the plate as he drew his first walk and extra base hit with the Nationals. Could this be a turning point for his bat? (12:50) The offense had multiple contributors includ...
Game 129: Cavalli to the IL with Shoulder Inflammation
August 31, 2022 06:27 - 45 minutesThe Nats lost 10-6 to Oakland, but that was not the major news of the day. Mark & Al begin with stunned reaction to the news that Cade Cavalli's season is likely over as he is headed to the IL after just one MLB start. Cavalli's shoulder has inflammation and he initially felt discomfort the day after his debut. Does this effect the usage of Josiah Gray and MacKenzie Gore down the stretch? (10:38) The bad news continued on Monday as it also appears that Brady House's season is done in Frederic...
Game 128: Corbin Ends the Starters Winless Streak
August 29, 2022 03:25 - 37 minutesThe Nats beat the Reds 3-2 to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon in D.C. Mark & Al begin with the glee (or relief) that Patrick Corbin earned the victory, thus ending the startling drought of 43 consecutive games without the Washington starting pitcher recording a victory. Corbin lasted six innings before handing it off to the "A" Bullpen. (16:30) Joey Meneses continues to pace the Nationals offense as he had a hit on Sunday and his hitting .333. CJ Abrams however was hitess over the weekend...
Game 127: Another Loss to the Reds
August 28, 2022 12:06 - 33 minutesThe Nats lost 6-2 to the Reds on Saturday night in D.C. Al hosts solo and runs through just how poor the offense continues to be this season. One of the bright spots this past month? You guessed it... Joey Meneses. (13:45) Paolo Espino was OK, but the streak of a National starter not recording a win reached a preposterous 43 games. Al does shine a spotlight through on Hunter Harvey's performance out of the bullpen this year, who has a ERA of 2.91. (19:05) Yadiel Herandez was placed on the 60 ...
Game 126: Cavalli Sweats His Way Through a Forgettable Debut
August 27, 2022 06:45 - 43 minutesThe Nationals lost 7-3 to Cincinnati in Cade Cavalli's debut. Al & Mark recap the prized pitching prospect's first start that saw him allow seven runs under five frames. They explain why he pitched better than the box score reflects on a rather humid evening in D.C where he dealt six strikeouts. (07:21) Cavalli did not get help from the defense behind him as CJ Abrams had a first inning throwing error that should have been corralled by Luke Voit. Cavalli's final inning saw more misplays, incl...
Game 125: Vargas Clutch HR + Cavalli Coming to D.C.
August 25, 2022 03:26 - 40 minutesThe Nats won 3-1 in Seattle as Ildemaro Vargas hit a 2 run HR in the top of the 9th to break the tie. Mark (from T- Mobile Park) & Al though begin with the news that Cade Cavalli will make his D.C. debut on Friday night against the Reds. This is quite possibly the most important pitching debut for the organization since Stephen Strasburg in 2010. (13:45) Anibal Sanchez and the bullpen combined to hold the Mariners offense at bay. Sanchez has been pitching decently lately and he retained his s...
Game 124: "Joey Four Bags" HR Breaks Up Late No-No Bid
August 24, 2022 08:43 - 36 minutesThe Nats were doubled up 4-2 in Seattle to open a two game series. Mark (Live from T-Mobile Park) & Al discuss how Robbie Ray had a no-hitter going until "Joey Four Bags" homered to dead center-field in the top of the 7th. Washington has never been no-hit and the last time Expos suffered that fate was in 1999. (08:24) Riley Adams returned to the Nationals and started on Tuesday as Tres Barrera was sent down to AAA. Will Adams see time at 1B or remain the backup catcher? (12:42) Erick Fedde on...
Game 123: Bell Beats the Nats Again
August 22, 2022 03:30 - 40 minutesThe Nats were edged 2-1 and had to settle for a split in San Diego as yet again the offense could only muster a Solo HR (Cruz). Al & Mark (Live from California) begin with the news that the franchise will face the Phillies in the 2023 Little League Classic in Williamsport, PA. This is the first time the Nationals will be represented in a crown jewel neutral site event since their inception. (15:45) "Joey Four Bags" has not exactly been "Joey Hustle" as for the second time this month he false...
Game 122: Soto & Bell HRs All the Padres Need
August 21, 2022 07:36 - 37 minutesThe Nats lost 2-1 as all of San Diego's runs came off of Josh Bell & Juan Soto Solo HRs. Mark (Live form Petco Park) and Al discuss the former Nationals impact, and how it was Bell's first hit against Washington since the trade (0 for 20 prior to the homer). (5:10) Josiah Gray only lasted five frames, but did only allow one run off of four hits. He threw a lot of balls on the evening as he issued five walks in the outing; compared to only three strikeouts. (20:20) Luke Voit was scratched for ...
Game 121: Another Win At Hader's Expense
August 20, 2022 08:55 - 34 minutesThe Nats scored three runs off of Josh Hader in the 9th for a 6-3 victory in San Diego. Mark (Live from Petco Park) & Al open with the exciting top of the 9th that gave the Nationals their second straight win over the Padres. Hats off to Alex Call for picking a very good time to hit his first career HR. (09:22) Keibert Ruiz reached base five times, collected two hits, had a RBI and stole a base. This was a major boost to the offense since Luke Voit did not play (back tightness). (14:45) CJ Ab...
Game 120: Nats Prevail After Getting to Hader
August 19, 2022 08:24 - 34 minutesThe Nats held on 3-1 in San Diego as they scored two runs off of Josh Hader in the top of the 9th. Mark (Live from Petco Park) & Al run through the pitcher's duel that saw Anibal Sanchez go toe to toe with Yu Darvish. It was Sanchez's best start this season as he lasted five frames. The Padres are a surprising 6-9 since all their big acquisitions at the trade deadline. (05:53) Ildemaro Vargas homered for the first time with Washington and also singled later in the game. Vargas has been produc...
Game 119: Abbott Throws Quality Start but McGee Takes the Loss
August 18, 2022 01:14 - 29 minutesThe Nats lost the series rubber match to the Cubs 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon. Al begins with more base running blunders as Cesar Hernandez was picked off after collecting a RBI single and points out how poor their metrics are in that category compared to every other team. (06:10) Cory Abbott pitched well as he only allowed two runs in six innings. Abbott was picked up from waivers three months ago after the Giants let him go. (14:05) Al goes around MLB and brings it back home to the on-goings...
Game 118: Abrams Singles in Extra Inning Loss
August 17, 2022 06:36 - 35 minutesThe Nats came up short yet again in extra innings; the latest a 7-5 loss against the Cubs. Al & Mark wonder how is it that the Nationals constantly struggle in that late stretch, as they are 3-18 in the past two seasons in extra innings. (05:48) CJ Abrams hit 7th again and earned his first hit in Washington in clutch fashion after singling in the tying run in the bottom of the 10th. Mark then gives his review of Abrams' glove work thus far. (16:05) It was another day in the life of Victor Rob...
Game 117: Gray Fans 10 & Cruz HRs in Abrams' Debut
August 16, 2022 06:02 - 38 minutesThe Nats had arguably their most exciting victory of the season as they rallied on the Cubs for a 5-4 win. Mark & Al recap the Nationals debut for shortstop CJ Abrams. He was hit-less with a routine E6, but did show-off many signs in the field of his range and ability. Abrams is top rated prospect in the organization and was part of the Juan Soto trade. (16:25) Josiah Gray started slow, but ended his evening with an emphatic 10th strikeout. Prior to facing his final batter in the 6th, Davey M...
Game 116: Shutout by San Diego
August 15, 2022 00:52 - 35 minutesThe Nats were blanked in the series rubber match against the Padres 6-0. Mark & Al bring you up to speed on Sunday's lineup as the lead-off hitter was definitely someone you never have heard of before. "Joey Four Bags" was "Joey One Bag" as he had a pair of singles to extend his hitting streak to eight games. Tune in to hear how our podcast infiltrated Friday's national broadcast on Apple TV+. (06:20) We taped our episode just prior to confirmation that C.J. Abrams will be called-up on Monday...
Game 115: Controversial Call Goes the Nats Way
August 14, 2022 07:19 - 37 minutesThe Nats rallied to beat the Padres 4-3 in dramatic fashion. Al & Mark open with a rare moment of 2022 good luck as a Victor Robles 7th inning single turned into the game winning run after San Diego's catcher Austin Nola was determined to have blocked home plate. If you can explain how this rule is supposed to be properly applied, you are smarter than any of us. (08:09) The Nationals hit crucial back to back HRs in the 6th, the last of which by "Joey Four Bags". He is now at five homers in ni...
Game 114: Soto Gets Standing Ovation in Return to D.C.
August 13, 2022 06:55 - 37 minutesThe Nats were doubled up 10-5 by San Diego in Juan Soto's abrupt return to D.C. Mark & Al examine the events around Soto playing on South Capitol Street in an opposing uniform. Juan went 2 for 6 with a RBI and Josh Bell was hit-less in five at bats. (07:48) The Washington Post on Friday reported that the Lerner's did not seek the opinions of the prospective buyers when it came to trading Soto. This re-opens the discussion as to why Washington felt the need to trade him before the Trade Deadli...