Washington Nationals lose series as they are beaten 2-4 by Pittsburgh Pirates - MLB Update
Starter Ross Detwiler leaks runs and the Washington Nationals are beaten 2-4 by the Pittsburgh Pirates in second game of three match series at PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 9, 2012.
Losing second game in a row is not a healthy sign for the Nationals, who have been dominating throughout the season.
Right-fielder, Bryce Harper keeps his dream Major League start running. He drew one walk and completed one run.
First baseman, Adam LaRoche had a rare hitless game as he went 0-for-2.
LaRoche has been the premier hitter for the Nationals. His .316 batting average speaks of his contribution in the season. By the time Ryan Zimmerman got injured and Bryce Harper did not make an entry in the season, it was LaRoche who lifted the offence.
In six innings, Detwiler struck-out four and gave up seven hits. It was not a kind of performance that will justify with the status the Nationals’ powerful arms are proud of. Normally their starters breeze through innings scoreless.
Inability to draw big hits in later part of the game was the biggest reason why the Nationals will not chase down the lead. This explains the loopholes, which can be as disastrous as causing long losing streak.
Manager Davey Johnson will now be thinking over sending Zimmerman and Harper down in the line-up and expect short-stop, Ian Desmond to do bulk of the job up the order.
Desmond, while discussing the failure believed that, hitters are missing valuable hits because they are going there with negative mindset. With couple of wins and by getting the confidence back, he explains, they can restore their dominance.
"I think guys are frustrated, not like we're out of it by any means but guys are frustrated because they know what we can do," Desmond said. "We know we're a good offensive ballclub."
Johnson traces weak-link in the offence, in particular the unsuitable at-bats, players are coming across.
"My guys are trying, pumped up to keep winning ballgames," Johnson said. "We're just not getting quality at-bats, that's all."
By putting few sluggers down in the line-up, the Nationals can draw hits and trigger activities on the bases. They will be looking forward to find the right fit.
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