| 13 May 2011
The Washington Nationals (18-20) lost to the Florida Marlins (22-15) by a score of 6-5 at Nats park.
Talking Points:
- Tom Gorzelanny may have finally returned to earth after an unbelievably good start to the season. The Nats starter let up three home runs on the night, he had allowed just five the entire season. Grozo only lasted 4.2 innings while giving up eight hits, four earned runs, and one walk. He struck out six batters in 76 pitches. His early exit marked just the second time a Nationals starter failed to reach five innings.
- The Nationals may not be able to rely on Jayson Werth, but Roger Bernadina and Laynce Nix are certainly getting the job done. Nix hit a crucial fourth inning home run and a game tying RBI double in the bottom of the eighth. Bernadina registered a two-out two-run double to tie the game entering the fifth.
- Speaking of Bernadina, he had about as good a day as anyone can half on a ball field. On top of his double, he had two singles and recorded a game saving play in centerfield that very easily could have been the greatest in franchise history.
- Todd Coffey helped pace things for the Nationals as he pitched 2.1 innings of shutout, one hit baseball out of the bullpen. Tyler Clippard on the other hand gave up a home run to Logan Morrison in the eighth.
-The Nationals had several chances late in the game to take the lead, but they just couldn't put a runner across the plate. The Marlins capitalized in the top of the with a walk and a double in the top of the 11th.
Our Thoughts:
The Nationals gave up a lot of home runs tonight, four to be exact, but the story of the night, win or lose, was the catch Roger Bernadina made in center. My emotions played out as followed:
1. Angry the Bernadina clearly misread the ball, and that two runs would score just a half inning after they tied the game up.
2. Amazement that Bernadina was able to cover the ground to even have a play at the ball.
3. Absolute shock that he reeled it in, used every ounce of my body not to leap out of my seat in the press box.
4. Worry that Bernadina hurt himself after turning his body into a torpedo to catch the ball
5. Proud that the Nationals fan base gave him a huge standing ovation as he slowly jogged back to the dugout
6. Watched the replay in awe…repeat x20
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