3/27/12 Marlins 3 Nats 1

I’m back! I know it’s been a while, but honestly the doldrums of meaningless Spring Training games, and a Nats 11-game winless streak got me a little down in the dumps. Some busy real life stuff didn’t help either. But catching up quickly on what has happened recently. The Nationals offense has started to come around after being dormant for a long spell. The pitching staff seems to be working it’s way into shape to start the season, and injured players are getting closer to being ready for opening day. Here’s what happened today, briefly:

• After giving up 3 runs in the first inning to the Marlins, Gio Gonzales settled down to pitch four more very nice innings. Apparently, he was a little amped up and wasn’t controlling his delivery very well. After Mark DeRosa told him he was flying open a bit, he was able to calm down and pitch very effectively. His final line was: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 81 pitches, 53 strikes.
• The Nats offense wasn’t very effective, although they weren’t shut down by any means. They totaled eleven hits, unfortunately they were all singles. Most notably Roger Bernadina stayed hot, going 2 for 4. He’s now 7 for his last 10 with a couple of homers with 7 RBIs. Mark DeRosa and Jesus Flores also got two hits a piece. 
• Steve Lombardozzi, playing LF for the third time got a hit. But he also booted a ball that turned a Jose Reyes double into a triple. 
• The Nats bullpen continued pitching very well. Craig Stammen, Brad Lidge, and Tyler Clippard all pitched scoreless innings, with only Stammen giving up a hit. 
• Rick Ankiel left the game in the fifth inning with a little quad tightness, no one seemed very concerned though. He was taken out as a precaution only. 

The Nats play the Mets tomorrow in Port St. Lucie. The game is at 1 EST and will be broadcast on the SNY Network, it can also be seen on MLB.tv and MLB Network on tape delay. Jordan Zimmermann will be pitching for the good guys. I’ll see you back here after the game for a recap.