The Nats crushed the 4th place Atlanta Braves on Saturday and Sunday, winning by a combined score of 23-8 and proving that it is possible for their bats to come into contact with a baseball on more than a few occasions of a 9-inning game.
Earlier today, Washington [38-61] demolished the Braves 15-6, getting Odalis Perez a win [3-7] whether he deserved it or not. It was Perez’s first win in almost 2 months, though he gave up 5 runs in only 5 innings. It was the rare example of Washington’s offense getting the pitching staff a win it didn’t earn. In fact, it was the most runs the Nats have scored in a game all season. Atlanta starter Jo-Jo Reyes gave up 6 runs in 2 1/3 innings and then touched reliever Buddy Carlyle for another 6 innings in 1 2/3 innings. The Nats loaded the bases in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 9th innings [no, really!] Atlanta didn’t help itself by committing 4 errors.
Leadoff hitter and former Brave Willie Harris led the way with 2 hits, 3 walks, a home run and 5 RBI. Austin Kearns added 3 hits [one a homer] and 5 runs scored. Catcher Jesus Flores went 5 for 6, with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Felipe Lopez went 3 for 4, with 3 runs and 3 RBI. Ryan Langerhans continued his recent good run by going 2 for 6 and chipping in with a run and an RBI.
Why did the Nats take 2 of 3 from the Braves in Atlanta and why did they score 29 runs in those 3 games? Poor pitching by the home team explains some of it, at least — maybe most of it. Langerhans’ recent hitting surge aside, it’s hard to credit players like Kearns, Harris or Lopez with suddenly discovering how to hit. We’ll need to see more than 2 good games against a poor Atlanta team before changing our opinions about one of the worst offensive teams we’ve ever seen.
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