Washington Nationals succumb to Los Angeles Dodgers in 0-2 loss at Dodger Stadium - MLB Update
Starter Gio Gonzalez records his first loss of the season as the Washington Nationals lose 0-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 29, 2012 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
In a slight glimpse of fall in their momentum, the Nationals’ were off-colour in the game. While largely undone by Dodgers’ starter Chris Capuano, their misery continued even when the relievers assumed the mound.
Four hits the Nationals managed in 30 at-bats included one by Bryce Harper, a flamboyant hitter who replaced an injured Ryan Zimmerman. Harper duly lived up to the hype created about his hitting prowess, as he rightly displayed a tinge of it.
In a rare sight of Gonzalez succumbing to pressure of bases loaded, in the bottom of the sixth, he gave up a single to James Loney, which cost him two runs and thus cost his side the game.
"I kind of beat myself out of that game. I was trying to be too perfect, and it kind of got away from me," Gonzalez said. "They've got a good lineup, so you've got to be cautious with some of the guys you face. All it was was one pitch, and that made the
difference. If I got that pitch down to Loney, it's different ballgame."
Reliever Craig Stammen showed stability on the mound and went scoreless in two innings he threw.
Getting a reliever throw fine innings is a bright sign for the Nationals given the fact that two of their dependable relievers Brad Lidge and Drew Storen are currently sustaining injuries.
First baseman for the Nationals Adam LaRoche was clueless in two at-bats and went 0-for-2. He is leading the line-up currently with regard to an impressive .549 slugging percentage that he has.
Shortstop Ian Desmond hit one in three at-bats. Throughout the season, he has proven to be one of the most consistent in the Nationals.
The Nationals will have in mind an imminence of loss of their present spot on the Division table, as the Atlanta Braves tie their tally with 14 wins in the season thus far.
Since there is nothing apparently wrong with the Nationals, one can predict them returning to their winning ways soon.
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