Astros Blast Nats, 10-8
A 4-0 lead was too small for the Nats relievers to hold as the Astros blasted them for ten runs from the 5th to the 8th to hand the Nats a 10-8 loss yesterday afternoon.
MacKenzie Gore got the start and tossed three scoreless, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three. The loss went to Jake Irvin, who caoughed up seven runs (six earned) on five hits (one HR) and two walks over an inning and 2/3rds.
Trey Lipscomb was the sole watchlister in the starting lineup (2B). He went 2-for-3 with a run scored but committed his second error.
James Wood reached base twice in relief of Lane Thomas in RF, drawing a walk in the 6th and singling in the 8th to extend his hit streak to seven games.
Here’s how the rest of “our guys” did coming off the bench:
- Israel Pineda caught the last two innings and was 0-for-2 throwing out baserunners and 0-for-1 at the plate
- Brady House pinch-ran for Nick Senzel in the 5th and went 0-for-2 with a strikeout while playing 3B the last three innings
- Robert Hassell pinch-ran for Jesse Winker and scored a run then played LF the rest of the way, going 0-for-2
- Darren Baker subbed for Lipscomb at 2B and was 0-for-1 with a walk
The loss drops Washington to 4-3 in Grapefruit League play. The Nats head to the opposite coast to play the Red Sox this afternoon. Josiah Gray is expected start and the flagship station has deigned to stop the Commanders blather to brodcast the game.
In 15 official AB’s James Wood’s OPS is now 1.765. I wish I knew how many walks he has.
In 19 spring plate appearances, Wood has 8 hits for 17 total bases, 4 walks, and only two Ks. All systems are “Go” on the Space Coast so far.
here you go
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSN/2024.shtml
Again also with small sample size, but it’s good to see Trey Lipscomb off to a strong start as well (despite the errors). He has more positional flexibility than Baker and Alu and significantly more pop than Baker, so he could have a good shot to be an infield reserve call-up at some point in the season. It’s refreshing to see a college hitter on the cusp of the majors after just one full season in the minors. That’s how it should work with the higher draftees, but that hasn’t been the case for Nat picks in a long time. Hope that Crews, Morales, and Pinckney can continue the positive trend.
Just remembered that Wood and Lipscomb worked out together during the offseason. Whatever they were doing, it’s working so far!
looks like Parker and Henry are making the trip, will be good to see them for the first time. Green also riding along, a late game appearance may be in order
Yeah, this time of year most of the vets don’t travel and the youngsters are thrilled to be doing it. Good for them and for us.
I have no illusions about Pineda, but will note that, while he was 0-2 in throwing out runners, it wasn’t his fault. His catch & release were clean and the throws were very good.