May 20, 2012

Nationals well positioned if bats come alive

Is it too early to think the Nationals could make a nice run and compete for a playoff spot? If their bats come alive to match the strong pitching they've already gotten, who knows?

Hitting coach looks to ignite Nats bats

Nationals hitting coach Rick Eckstein said Thursday afternoon he understood why general manager Mike Rizzo instructed him not to talk to the media for several weeks. Eckstein would have blamed himself for the team's weak offense. Rizzo is a big Eckstein supporter.

Gorzelanny looks to tame Brewers bats

After a disappointing 2-8 road trip, the Brewers are certainly enjoying their time back at Miller Park. After sweeping a three-game series from the Rockies this weekend, the Brewers continue a stretch of 15 of 19 games in Milwaukee with a three-game series against the Nationals.

Bats unable to back Livan in narrow defeat

In a 1-0 Marlins victory Saturday at Nationals Park, starter Anibal Sanchez did what the Nats' Tom Gorzelanny could not the previous night: deliver a repeat performance. Livan Hernandez pitched well, but gave up the game's lone run in the seventh.

Nats' bats held in check by Marlins

The Nationals beat the Marlins on Mother's Day last season, but Anibal Sanchez made sure history did not repeat itself on Sunday. Sanchez shut down Washington's offense as the Marlins beat the Nationals, 8-0, before 10,523 at Sun Life Stadium.