Nats Chat
556 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days 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
Game 137: Kieboom Walk-off Hit After More Stevenson Heroics
September 07, 2021 00:00 - 34 minutesThe Nats walked off the Mets 4-3 with a Carter Kieboom single on Labor Day afternoon. Al & Mark analyze the exciting series finale that capped a five game stretch in the past four days. For the third time over the holiday weekend, Andrew Stevenson came off the bench for a major hit in the final inning; this one a game tying RBI scoring. (12:12) Alcides Escobar had a game big on Monday as he notched a 1st inning triple and also narrowly scored the game tying run n the 9th. Josh Bell also made...
Game 136: Gray & Voth Each Allow Six Runs in Defeat
September 06, 2021 02:00 - 46 minutesThe Nationals lost to the Mets 13-6 in a game that was competitive until the top of the 9th. Mark & Al recap Josiah Gray's second straight clunker of a start, which immediately began with him surrendering four runs. What is the appropriate level of concern to have on Gray right now? (15:20) Riley Adams got the start behind the plate as opposed to Keibert Ruiz. Mark explains why that was the case and what to maybe expect for Monday. (18:48) The bullpen on Sunday was all over the map as a few...
Games 134/135: Josh Rogers' Solid Start Caps an Eventful Split Doubleheader
September 05, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutesThe Nats and Mets split their doubleheader Saturday in D.C. Game 1 saw New York blow a 9-0 lead, but they ultimately prevailed 11-9 in extras (9 innings). The Nationals took Game 2 by a score of 4-3 to end a seven game losing streak. Al & Mark recap the action packed day in Navy Yard by tipping their caps to Andrew Stevenson, who homered in Game 1 to force extra innings. Alcides Escobar and Luis Garcia also had noteworthy days at the ballpark. (17:22) Carter Kieboom had a big day at the pla...
Game 133: Rally in the 9th Not Enough + Bryce Harper Contract Q
September 04, 2021 07:00 - 53 minutesThe Nats lost 6-2 in ten innings to the Mets after Washington scored two runs in the ninth to force extras. Mark & Al dissect the final frames, highlighted by Andrew Stevenson's collision at home to score the tying run. (8:23) Riley Adams had a huge night at the plate while getting his first start at catcher since Keibert Ruiz was called up. Adams got on base four times Friday evening, including three hits. How will starts at catcher be parceled out for this series? (18:58) Juan Soto homere...
Game 132: Yet Another Bullpen Collapse Against the Phillies
September 03, 2021 02:00 - 49 minutesThe Nats lost 7-6 to Philadelphia despite leading 6-0 entering the sixth inning. Mark & Al recap yet another rough day for the Nationals bullpen, which made a habit this summer of blowing leads against the Phils. Luis Garcia played a large role in losing the lead as he made two poor plays in a row in the top of the 8th, which led to three runs. (17:58) Paolo Espino pitched very well, but ends up with a no-decision. He threw five scoreless frames before allowing two runners on base in the piv...
Game 131: Paolo Espino Interview + Robles Demoted to AAA
September 01, 2021 06:00 - 47 minutesThe Nats lost 12-6 to the Phillies as Patrick Corbin's nightmare season continued. Al & Mark begin with the surprising pregame news that Victor Robles is being sent down to AAA Rochester. Should we have seen this demotion coming? Will he wear a Nationals uniform again? (15:23) Corbin had another rough outing and allowed a pair of HRs in the process. His evening started off smooth, but everything changed starting in the fourth. At what point can we have a serious conversation on whether or no...
Game 131: Robles Demoted to AAA Before Corbin Flops Again + Paolo Espino Interview!
September 01, 2021 06:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBThe Nats lost 12-6 to the Phillies as Patrick Corbin's nightmare season continued. Al & Mark begin with the surprising pregame news that Victor Robles is being sent down to AAA Rochester. Should we have seen this demotion coming? Will he wear a Nationals uniform again? (15:23) Corbin had another rough outing and allowed a pair of HRs in the process. His evening started off smooth, but everything changed starting in the fourth. At what point can we have a serious conversation on whether ...
Game 130: Ruiz Debut Fizzles as Gray Has His First Bad Start
August 31, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutesThe Nats lost 7-4 to the Phillies to open up the eight game homestand. Mark & Al discuss Keibert Ruiz's Washington debut, which did not meet the pregame buzz. The Nationals quickly fell behind 3-0 and Ruiz came up empty with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first. Ruiz did hit a bloop single in the eighth to end his evening 1 for 4 at the plate. Where does Riley Adams fit in now that Ruiz will start most everyday behind the dish? (14:20) Josiah Gray allowed six runs in four innings and ...
Game 129: Keibert Ruiz Getting Called Up + Fedde Loses in NY
August 30, 2021 02:00 - 56 minutesThe Nats lost 9-4 to the Mets, but the big news of the day came during pregame as Keibert Ruiz will make his Washington debut behind the plate on Monday night. Al & Tim react to the mildly surprising news that Ruiz will get called up before the calendar flips to September. Was this decision made for baseball reasons, box office reasons, or both? (16:20) Victor Robles yet again was not in the starting lineup,, are they giving up on him? Luis Garcia has struggled at the plate, can you count on...
Game 128: Conforto Late HR the Difference + Cavalli Brief AAA Debut
August 29, 2021 06:00 - 42 minutesThe Nats lost 5-3 to the Mets as the bullpen relinquished the lead in the 7th. Al & Mark recap the solid start by Sean Nolin, who lasted until the sixth inning before the hosts dive into the pen. What to make of Nolin after he pitched well and lasted more than five frames? (14:32) Lane Thomas got the nod in CF over Victor Robles and had a pair of doubles while hitting leadoff. Do we have ourselves a "developing situation" long term in CF? (19:55) Alcides Escobar reminded New Yorkers of anot...
Game 127: Paolo & 'Pen Extend the Mets Misery
August 28, 2021 06:00 - 39 minutesThe Nats won 2-1 in New York to open a three game series. Mark & Al have plenty of praise to heap on the five pitchers who took the mound for Washington and they begin with closer Kyle Finnegan. (10:27) Paolo Espino struck out seven, singled, scored a run, and earned the win while pitching five innings. Why does he seem to have so much success against the Mets? Should he have come back out to pitch the sixth? (19:43) The Nationals struggled at the plate as they struck out seventeen times. ...
Game 126: Corbin Takes a Big Step Backwards & Late Rally Falls Short
August 27, 2021 06:00 - 45 minutesThe Nats lost 7-5 in Miami as Patrick Corbin only lasted three innings. Mark & Al dissect the latest with the southpaw, who took a major step back after pitching so well in Milwaukee last weekend. What are the Nats options on what to do with Corbin? Could they send him down to AAA for a few outings? (16:12) Patrick Murphy struck out a pair in his Nationals debut. Hear what Mark thought of his "stuff". (20:01) Juan Soto drew his 100th walk of the season and crushed a 2 run HR. Listen to how ...
Game 125: Gray vs. Cabrera Meets the Hype, but Miami Prevails in Extras
August 26, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutesThe Nats lost 4-3 in Miami in ten innings despite briefly holding the lead in the 7th. Mark & Al recap the stud pitching match-up between Josiah Gray & Edward Cabrera, both of which are top 100 prospects per MLB Pipeline. Gray was solid yet again for Washington, as he has been so far in all five starts since the trade. (10:33) Keibert Ruiz has hit four homers in his past two games for AAA Rochester. Will the promotion of Cade Cavalli to Rochester delay Ruiz getting called up to Washington? ...
Game 125: Gray vs. Cabrera Meets the Hype, but Miami Eeks it out in Extras
August 26, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBThe Nats lost 4-3 in Miami in ten innings despite briefly holding the lead in the 7th. Mark & Al recap the stud pitching match-up between Josiah Gray & Edward Cabrera, both of which are top 100 prospects per MLB Pipeline. Gray was solid yet again for Washington, as he has been so far in all five starts since the trade. (10:33) Keibert Ruiz has hit four homers in his past two games for AAA Rochester. Will the promotion of Cade Cavalli to Rochester delay Ruiz getting called up to Washington...
Game 124: Fedde's Career Night + Cavalli Promoted to AAA
August 25, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutesThe Nats beat the Marlins 5-1 as Erick Fedde struck out a career high ten batters. Al & Mark evaluate Fedde's big evening and find out how Sam Clay of all people played a big role in the successful start. Should we be excited about the outing or affix an asterisk to it because it was against last place Miami? (10:31) The bullpen saw a flurry of roster moves including Patrick Murphy & Clay being called up and Gabe Klobosits being sent down to AAA Rochester. Hear what there is too look for fro...
Game 123: Too Many Walks + Storytime on D.C. Earthquake Anniversary
August 23, 2021 03:00 - 44 minutesThe Nats lost 7-3 in Milwaukee in another game that had a glacial pace of play. Mark & Al continue to praise Lane Thomas as he had another impressive game while patrolling CF and hitting leadoff. Carter Kieboom also had a solid Sunday, including on the defensive end. (19:30) Sean Nolin and the bullpen tied a franchise record by issuing 11 walks as the pitching was very difficult to watch this weekend. Austin Voth returned to pitch a scoreless frame, where does he fit into the new bullpen hie...
Game 122: Yelich Slams the Win Streak Shut in Four Hour Affair
August 22, 2021 05:00 - 42 minutesThe Nationals lost 9-6 in Milwaukee to halt the three game win streak. Al laments how the game took four hours and eighteen minutes. What can be done to avoid interminable games like this one? (5:20) Lane Thomas was given a prominent role in the lineup card as the leadoff hitter in CF. He backed up the assignment by impressing with his bat, speed, and arm. A few other young guys made contributions as well on Saturday. (14:57) The bullpen had two disastrous innings in the 5th & the 8th. Al e...
Game 121: Corbin's Gem Leads to 3rd Straight Win
August 21, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesThe Nats won 4-1 in Milwaukee for their third consecutive victory. Al & Mark finally have an opportunity to praise Patrick Corbin, who was fantastic against the first place Brewers. How did the Nationals possibly "fix his glitch"? (10:24) The bullpen had a good evening from three different relievers. Is it OK to start feeling good about this young 'pen? (16:28) Many young guys stepped up Friday night including Riley Adams and Lane Thomas, who combined for 3 RBIs. It was Adams' fourth straig...
Game 120: Gray Looks Good & the Nats Hand Revenge to Their Ex Closer
August 19, 2021 04:00 - 50 minutesThe Nats topped the Blue Jays 8-5 to complete the two game sweep. Al & Mark assess Josiah Gray's solid outing that lasted six innings. The only blemish on Gray's resume so far has been giving up solo HRs, of which he allowed two more on Wednesday. Gray did more than just pitch well as he had his first career hit and also made a nice play on a bunt attempt that led to a double play. (9:29) The bullpen for the most part had a good game except for Ryne Harper who very quickly gave up the lead, ...
Game 119: Adams & Co. Double Up the Jays
August 18, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutesThe Nationals snapped their seven game losing streak with a 12-6 victory over Toronto. Mark & Al look Riley Adams who dominated his former organization with three hits, including a HR. As Adams has shown promise at the plate, it provides an opportunity to handicap what the catcher situation is between Adams, Barrera, and Keibert Ruiz. (8:57) Yadiel Hernandez homered to open the scoring. Where might he fit in for the Nats in 2022? (17:17) Luis Garcia made an excellent play in the field, but ...
Game 118: Ross' Elbow to the IL & Skid Hits 7
August 16, 2021 03:00 - 49 minutesThe Nats lost 6-5 to Atlanta for a seventh straight defeat, but the main story Sunday stemmed from pregame. Mark & Al react to the news that Joe Ross is back on the IL due to a partial UCL tear in his elbow, which could possibly lead to another Tommy John Surgery. What might this mean for the team's rotation and also the future of Ross' career? (16:54) The Nationals were more competitive than Saturday's rout, but still came up just short. There were some bright spots, including Carter Kieboo...
Game 117: Corbin's ERA Now Above 6.00 After Rout
August 15, 2021 06:00 - 44 minutesThe Nationals were pulverized 12-2 by Atlanta as Patrick Corbin's ERA is now a Major League worst 6.04 among qualifying starters. Al & Mark look at the flurry of losing in the past month and a half and wonder if 100 losses this season is now in play as they are now tied for last place in the division. (7:48) Patrick Corbin had another poor outing and is on his way to having the worst season any Nationals starter has ever had. What is the solution since his contract has three years remaining?...
Game 117: Corbin's ERA Now Above 6 After Rout
August 15, 2021 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBThe Nationals were pulverized 12-2 by Atlanta as Patrick Corbin's ERA is now a Major League worst 6.04 among qualifying starters. Al & Mark look at the flurry of losing in the past month and a half and wonder if 100 losses this season is now in play as they are now tied for last place in the division. (7:48) Patrick Corbin had another poor outing and is on his way to having the worst season any Nationals starter has ever had. What is the solution since his contract has three years remainin...
Game 116: Gray Dazzles Early But Gives up a Trio of Solo HRs
August 14, 2021 08:00 - 30 minutesThe Nats lost 4-2 to the Braves in a game that started three hours later than originally scheduled. Mark & Tim breakdown Josiah Gray's outing that was fantastic early on, but was sullied by a flurry of solo HRs that put Atlanta on top. Should he have been sent back out for the 7th inning? (11:10) The offense squandered many opportunities Friday night as they came up empty three times when they had two men on/ no outs. Josh Bell also was easily thrown out at home on a questionable send by Bob...
Games 114/115: Swept in New York
August 13, 2021 01:00 - 30 minutesThe Nats lost both games of their doubleheader to the Mets. Al opens with putting into perspective just how much the Nationals have struggled in the past month and a half. They entered July 2 games over .500 and now are 15 games below that threshold. (6:00) He then dives into the state of the bullpen, which has no anchor to it. Kyle Finnegan gave up the game sealing HR to Pete Alonso and Tanner Rainey also struggled in his brief return to the majors. Plus, an up and down outing for Erick Fed...
Game 113: Soto 3 Hits In Loss & Cavalli Throws a Shutout
August 12, 2021 05:00 - 45 minutesThe Nationals lost 8-7 to the Mets in a game that began on Tuesday night and ended Wednesday afternoon. Mark & Al respond to the only game played as the evening portion of the quasi doubleheader was rained out and instead we will have a true doubleheader on Thursday. (5:48) Juan Soto returned to the starting lineup from his knee issue and had three hits, including a first inning HR. The hosts point out just how solid of a season he is actually having at the plate, which might catch many Nats...
Rain Delay Edition: Jim Callis Interview on Nationals Prospects
August 11, 2021 07:00 - 33 minutesThe Nats game was suspended by rain in the 2nd inning in New York as they lead 3-1 over the Mets. Given the rainout, we decided to bring you a special edition featuring an interview with the incomparable Jim Callis of MLB.com and MLB Pipeline. Jim knows more than anyone when it comes to prospects, so no better person to hear from about Keibert Ruiz, Josiah Gray, Cade Cavalli, Brady House, and more. We even have a Kumar Rocker mention by Jim. The Nationals game will resume at 4:10PM on Wedne...
Game 112: Zimmerman Gives His Take on Corbin's Continuing Struggles
August 09, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutesThe Nats lost 5-4 in Atlanta as Patrick Corbin gave up two more homers in defeat. Mark & Al react to another disappointing outing for Corbin as he flirts with an ERA of six this season. The hosts then respond to Ryan Zimmerman's postgame comments as to why he thinks the lefty hasn't been the same pitcher since October of 2019. (15:38) Juan Soto was again limited to pinch hitting, which led to Josh Bell patrolling RF on Sunday. Will Bell continue to periodically play in the outfield since Z...
Game 111: Josiah Gray Throws 10 Strikeouts & Riley Adams HR Stuns Atlnta
August 08, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBThe Nats rallied in Atlanta for a 3-2 victory to end their five game losing streak. Al & Mark react to the ninth inning where new acquisition Riley Adams hit a go ahead 2 run homer off of Braves closer Will Smith. (7:27) Josiah Gray was terrific on the mound as he had 10 Ks in 5 IP. How excited should Nationals fans be after an outing like this? Should Gray have stayed in the game to pitch the 6th? (19:12) Juan Soto did not start for a second straight game, but did pinch hit in the 6th. ...
Game 111: Josiah Gray Throws 10 Strikeouts & Riley Adams HR Stuns Atlanta
August 08, 2021 06:00 - 40 minutesThe Nats rallied in Atlanta for a 3-2 victory to end their five game losing streak. Al & Mark react to the ninth inning where new acquisition Riley Adams hit a go ahead 2 run homer off of Braves closer Will Smith. (7:27) Josiah Gray was terrific on the mound as he had 10 Ks in 5 IP. How excited should Nationals fans be after an outing like this? Should Gray have stayed in the game to pitch the 6th? (19:12) Juan Soto did not start for a second straight game, but did pinch hit in the 6th. Whe...
Game 110: Soto Sits Due to Knee & Update from AAA
August 07, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutesThe Nats lost their fifth straight as the Braves beat them 8-4 in Atlanta. Mark & Al discuss the decision to rest Juan Soto as he tweaked his knee on Thursday. How cautious will Washington be before he returns? (8:35) Carter Kieboom had another RBI and has nine hits already in August. How encouraged should Nationals fan be? (19:29) Erick Fedde could not maintain a 5th inning lead and his evening was cut short after allowing five runs. Which is the real Fedde? The pitcher from earlier this ...
Game 109: Kieboom Hot with the Bat & Cold with the Glove
August 06, 2021 04:00 - 41 minutesThe Nationals blew yet another late lead to fall 7-6 to the Phillies, resulting in a four game sweep. Al opens the with Kyle Finnegan's blown save, which puts the team at a season low eleven games under .500. He then quickly transitions into Carter Kieboom who had a very up and down game. Kieboom had multiple hits to keep his average above .300, but had a crucial error in the 9th which led to all four Philadelphia runs counting as unearned. (10:04) It was a wacky game and the Nats made multi...
Game 108: Robles, Garcia, & Kieboom All Go Deep in Loss
August 05, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutesThe Nationals lost 9-5 to the Phillies despite hitting four homers. Al & Mark focus on the young starters who cleared the fences, especially Luis Garcia who had a pair of dingers. What is his offensive ceiling? (11:11) Juan Soto has cooled off recently and has reverted to hitting a lot of ground balls. Did the fire sale affected his day to day approach at the plate? (18:55) Paolo Espino had his worst outing of the season as he allowed six runs in five innings and could not hang onto an earl...
Game 107: Corbin Folds Late + Turner Failed Extension Talks
August 04, 2021 06:00 - 45 minutesThe Nats lost 5-4 to the Phillies and Zack Wheeler. Mark & Al analyze Patrick Corbin's start which was very good until he allowed a pair of 7th inning HRs. He has now given up 25 home runs this season in just 21 starts. (9:34) Wander Suero was sent down to AAA as Javy Guerra took his roster spot. Additionally, Ryne Harper pitched a solid 9th inning as many fans have been howling for him to be given high leverage opportunities. (21:20) Riley Adams was called up less than a week after being a...
Game 106: Gray Solid in Debut But Bullpen Implodes in the 9th
August 03, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutesThe Nats lost 7-5 (or was it 6-5?) to the Phillies after allowing five runs in the top of the 9th. Al & Mark evaluate Josiah "JoJo" Gray's first start as a National as he only allowed one run in five innings. (9:56) Mason Thompson also made his franchise debut, a relief pitcher acquired from San Diego as part of the Daniel Hudson deal, had a crucial strikeout to strand the bases loaded in the 6th. (12:33) The bullpen conversation turns negative as Washington coughed up the lead. Why was Wa...
Game 105: Yadiel Walks It Off Despite Ortega's Trio of HRs
August 02, 2021 03:00 - 45 minutesThe Nats walked off the Cubs 6-5 to win the series. Mark & Al react to the unexpected HR Derby that took place between Yadiel Hernandez and Chicago's Rafael Ortega. Hernandez went deep twice, including the game winner in the bottom of the 9th, while occupying the cleanup spot. (10:18) A dissection of various decisions stemming from Sunday's lineup card. Will Keibert Ruiz replace Rene Rivera on the roster later this month behind the plate? Will Luis Garcia split time at 2B/SS? Where does Alci...
Game 104: Good Riddance to July as it Ends with Another Loss
August 01, 2021 06:00 - 45 minutesThe Nats lost 6-3 to the Cubs to end what was likely the worst month in franchise history. Mark & Al put a bow on July 2021 and spin it forward. They analyze Victor Robles returning to the leadoff spot, which he briefly held back in April. (11:28) Luis Garcia started at shortstop Saturday night as Alcides Escobar had the night off. Could he be the long-term answer there or will he likely be at 2B? Where does recent draft pick Brady House fit into the equation? Carter Kieboom made another err...
Game 103: Fire Sale Concludes Prior to Garcia Homering in the Win
July 31, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutesThe Nats edged the Cubs 4-3 after a dizzying two day stretch that saw eight players traded away. Al & Mark digest what the deadline moves mean for the organization moving forward and analyze the remarkable Jon Lester trade. They also point out just how different the farm system is now regarded after acquiring a dozen prospects. (13:46) Reaction to Friday night's starting lineup that looks a lot different after all the moves. Should Victor Robles return to the leadoff spot as opposed to Andre...
Games 101/102: **Scherzer & Turner** Traded After Split in Philly
July 30, 2021 06:00 - 49 minutesThe Nationals split their doubleheader in Philadelphia, but the main news postgame was the blockbuster trade that sent Max Scherzer & Trea Turner to the Dodgers. Mark & Al analyze the mega move by Washington and assess what they think of the move. Why was Turner dealt instead of locking him up to a long-term contract? Did they get enough in return from LA? (12:15) Kiebert Ruiz (catcher) and Josiah Gray (pitcher) are the top rated prospects in the Dodgers system. When will they be contributin...
Game 100: Strasburg Surgery News & the Skid Ends at Five
July 28, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutesThe Nationals beat the Phillies 6-4, but Tuesday was filled with bad news for the organization. Al & Mark react to the announcement that Stephen Strasburg will have season ending surgery. For those not familiar with the procedure, they explain what TOS typically means for pitchers and the long-term ramifications. (15:15) Trea Turner was pulled from the game in the 1st inning due to a positive COVID-19 test. We hope that he is feeling ok, but also wonder what does this mean for his potential ...
Game 99: Hand Collapses Again for a 5th Straight Defeat
July 27, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesThe Nationals coughed up a late lead and fell 6-5 in Philadelphia on a walk-off 3 run HR by Andrew McCutchen off of closer Brad Hand. Mark & Al put in perspective what this means for Hand's value on the trade market in addition to the "kick in the teeth" type loss they were dealt. (4:01) Twitter was filled with reports that the Nats are listening to trade offers for Trea Turner, who is a Free Agent after 2022. Should Washington consider dealing away their All Star Shortstop? (15:37) Max Sch...
Game 98: Swept by the O's as Hand Blows the Save
July 26, 2021 00:00 - 34 minutesThe Nationals were swept in Baltimore as they lost 5-4 on Sunday afternoon. Mark & Al recap the gut punching defeat and try to understand how they could have lost four games in a row to last place teams. What should we expect this week from the front office as Friday's Trade Deadline looms? (15:15) Washington entered the bottom of the ninth with a one run lead, but Brad Hand immediately put the leadoff hitter on base. Should Hand and Daniel Hudson flip roles? (20:20) Paolo Espino was in li...
Game 97: Dark Night at Camden Yards
July 25, 2021 05:00 - 41 minutesThe Nationals lost 5-3 in Baltimore for a third consecutive defeat. Al & Mark start with the troubled state of team as they are limping into the trade deadline. Should they sell and if so, who should they sell off? (12:37) Max Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled start due to triceps discomfort. Did any of this have to do with the impending trade deadline? (22:05) Matt Harvey pitched like the New York form of himself, not the current one. Which version of the Nats offense will we see f...
Game 96: Sleepy Night at the Plate in Baltimore
July 24, 2021 06:00 - 49 minutesThe Nationals lost their series opener at Camden Yards 6-1 to the Orioles. It was a busy night for Mark as he made his debut hosting the pre & postgame shows on MASN and he tells Al all about it. They then dissect why Josh Bell got the nod in the field and Ryan Zimmerman was the DH, as opposed to Zim starting at 1B. Bell provided the only offense of the night with a tape measure shot, his third homer of the week. (16:26) Andrew Stevenson got another start in CF on Friday night. Has Robles be...
Game 95: Missed Opportunity for a Sweep
July 22, 2021 06:00 - 43 minutesThe Nationals lost 3-1 in extras to the Marlins, ending their brief win streak at three games. Al & Mark dive into the offensive struggles from Wednesday night, as some familiar themes from earlier this season returned. This includes multiple double plays and stranding runners in scoring position. (12:33) Andrew Stevenson started two games this series in CF instead of Victor Robles. Is this a sign of lineup cards to come? (19:15) Erick Fedde bounced back with a solid outing, his first good ...
Game 94: Nats Rally on Marlins Bullpen for 3rd Straight Win
July 21, 2021 06:00 - 41 minutesThe Nats beat the Marlins 6-3 after briefly blowing the lead in the 6th. Al & Mark discuss the victory which saw a balanced offensive attack. Josh Bell went deep for the second straight day, Tres Barrera had another solid performance at the plate, and Juan Soto continues to be locked in. (14:24) Paolo Espino returned to his "Secret Weapon" form as he tossed five scoreless innings. Why was Paolo able to bounce back after a few recent rough outings? (22:05) GM Mike Rizzo addressed reporters f...
Game 93: Soto & Lester Lead the Barrage of Homers
July 20, 2021 06:00 - 40 minutesThe Nationals pulverized the Marlins 18-1 just a few days after losing by 16 runs. Mark & Al have a different tune to sing as Washington returns to NL East competition. The team slugged six homers, the majority of which came off of former Nat Ross Detwiler. (6:35) Juan Soto continued his hot stretch as he went deep twice and now has five homers since the Derby. When Soto is hitting opposite field, good things seem to happen. (16:31) Josh Bell hit a mammoth homer that landed deep into the le...
Game 92: Escobar Walk-off Snaps the Skid
July 19, 2021 06:00 - 33 minutesThe Nationals topped San Diego 8-7 to end their six game losing streak. Al & Mark discuss Alcides Escobar's contributions so far this month, as he was the hero in the late innings for the victory. (7:52) Juan Soto had a go ahead HR in the bottom of the 8th, his third of the series. Mark takes another bow for his July 4th prediction that if Soto entered the Derby, it would lead to a Post All Star Break power surge. (18:30) Max Scherzer had a good outing, but couldn't hold onto an early 4-0...
Game 91: Suspended Game Ends with 6th Straight Loss
July 19, 2021 03:00 - 20 minutesThe Nationals lost 10-4 to the Padres in Game 2 of their series. This was the game that began on Saturday night, was suspended by gunshots outside the stadium, and concluded on Sunday afternoon. Mark tells Al what the atmosphere felt like Sunday at the ballpark following Saturday evening's events, including Davey Martinez's emotional pregame comments. (9:55) Patrick Corbin had another rough outing in his subpar season. Why do his struggles continue? (13:55) Stephen Strasburg recently suffer...
Breaking News Edition: Shooting Outside Nationals Park Halts Play
July 18, 2021 04:00 - 13 minutesSaturday evening there were gunshots outside Nationals Park which led to play being suspended in the middle of the 6th inning. Mark was in the press box covering the game and relays to Al what he experienced while sitting in the parking garage outside the stadium. **Taping occurred at roughly 11pm Eastern on Saturday July 17th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices