Houston Has No Problem, 12-3
The Nats shut the Astros out for six innings yesterday. In the other three innings, Houston scored three in the 1st, four in the 5th, and five in the 9th as they blasted Washington, 12-3.
Former prospect/site favorite Tommy Milone took the loss as he was lit up for the first three runs on five hits and two walks. Current prospect Austin Adams walked all four batters he faced and all four came a round to score in the 5th.
Victor Robles got the start in center field but was 0-for-2 with a strikeout. He’s now hitting just .220 (9-for-41).
Here’s how the Watchlist players did coming off the bench:
• Blake Perkins took over for Robles in CF and went 0-for-1 with an RBI walk and a strikeout.
• Andrew Stevenson subbed for Ryan Raburn in LF and struck out three times in three PAs
• Pedro Severino was the second backstop and was 0-for-1 with a walk, an RBI, and a whiff.
The Cards come to West Palm Beach this afternoon to visit the Nats. Gio Gonzalez is expected to pitch. The game will be broadcast on MASN, but you will be unable to mute the sound and listen to an alternate audio feed. Sorry.
Austin Adams reminding everyone that’s he’s still the same guy.
Adams had a K/9 of almost 14 at Syracuse last season. He really could be a weapon if he could get his Nuke LaLoosh tendencies under control. He was having a good spring until yesterday.
A bad day all around for the Nats. Stevenson Kd thrice, but he’s back in the lineup today. Is he competing with Goodwin for the 4th OF spot? Adams needs a sports psychologist, or maybe just a talk with Rick Ankiel, who will be at the game today. Robles’s glove, speed on the bases, and .220 BA would get him into many outfields, but he will be sent to AAA to improve his hitting.
Sorry for the delay in this, but have been too tied up before.
There was a lot of talk of Stevenson here the other day and his progress. I don’t have the link but highly recommend reading last weekend’s article in the Post on the Nats sending hitting coach Long to Louisiana over the winter to help Stevenson with his swing.
It’s pretty technical and talked of how his swing had too many parts to it and how Long is trying to smooth everything out. Highly recommended!