Stammen, Willingham Power Nats

The Washington Nationals have won their second straight.  It isn’t often it happens.  But, when it does, it is usually the result of superb pitching.  That is precisely what they got tonight from rookie Craig Stammen.  Stammen pitched into the 8th inning, 7.1 innings precisely, allowing just 1 run on only 4 hits and striking out 5 to improve to 3-5 and lower his ERA to 4.14.

It was Stammen’s 5th straight quality start.  Over his last 5 starts, Stammen has allowed 10 runs over 34.2 innings and is becoming a consistent, solid starter for the Nationals. 

Offensively, Josh Willingham went 4 for 4 and smacked his 13th homer of the year.  Willingham’s batting average improved to .297. 

Mike MacDougal closed out the 9th to pick up his 6th save of the year since taking the reigns fo the closer role.  Overall, MacDougal has an ERA of 2.25.  The Nats have now won two straight over the Mets, after getting swept by the Chicago Cubs coming out of the All Star Break.  It also gave interim Manager Jim Riggleman his second win as the Nats skipper.   Riggleman is now 2-4 as the Nats bench boss. 

In the minors …

Syracuse (AAA) defeated Toledo 3-2 tonight.  Elijah Dukes hit his third homer to power the Chiefs.  Dukes is hitting .325 since being demoted to make room for LF Nygel Morgan and releiver Shawn Burnett in the trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Shairon Martis allowed 9 hits, on 2 runs over 6 innings to notch the win.  Martis is 2-1 with an ERA of 6.50.  Jorge Sosa picked up his second save, fanning 2 in the 9th.

Harrisburg (AA) got bombed by Bowie 7-1.  Justin Jones gave up 5 runs in 2 innings of relief to take the loss.  Edgar Baez was 3 for 3 and Garrett Guzman hit his 10th homer for the Senators. 

Potomac (A) fell to Lynchburg 6-3.  Tom Milone allowed 3 runs on 5 innings, getting swatted for 10 hits.  Daniel Nelson, Boomer Whiting, and Brad Peacock each had 2 hist for the Nationals.  Nelson hit his second homer. 

Hagerstown (A) is leading 6-1 in the 7th inning over Bowling Green.

Vermont (A) lost 7-3.  Graham Hicks took the loss for the Lake Monsters allowing 6 runs in 2 innings.  Dani Arias was 3 for 4, while Johnathan Ramirez and Jack Walker each had 2 hits. 

GCL Nationals defeated the GCL  Marlins 6-3.  Dan Rosenbaum piutched 4 scoreless innings recording 3 strikeouts.  Dustin Crane picked up his 4th save for the Nationals.  Eury Perez, Brett Newsome, and Yeurys Tejada each had 2 hits.