7-1-10 Z-Cap: Nationals 2 Mets 1

The Washington Nationals (35-45) defeated the New York Mets (44-35) on Thursday night 2-1 by way of the walk-off.  It marked the 9th time this season and 2nd on this current road trip that the team has lost in such a fashion. Livan Hernandez and the Nationals bullpen held the Mets to 1 ER on 8 hits as NY has now lost 3 of its last 4 games.  Ike Davis (1-4) supplied the only Met run for the suddenly anemic offense with an RBI single in the top of the 1st.  Johan Santana, who has faced recent criticism (click  HERE to see what Ken had to say) for not pitching like an “ace”, answered the call on the Thursday night and was rewarded with a no decision. He allowed 1 ER over 7 brilliant innings of work while striking out 7 Washington batters. Tonight’s contest marked the 6th time this season in which Johan has pitched 7+ innings allowing 1 or less ER with the end result being a no decision.  In 4 of those 6 starts he allowed 0 ER.  After the game Johan spoke with reporters about his performance:

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I just felt that I’m getting better. Making improvements and that’s all I’m looking for. I felt the ball was coming out of my hand pretty good, fastball I had great command.  Even though I threw a couple walks I felt that I was able to command my fastball much better in and out of the plate and then I threw some change-ups.”

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In the bottom of the 9th with the score tied 1-1 Pedro Feliciano fell behind 2-0 to Willie Harris before walking the lefty (only the 4th walk Pedro has issued to a lefty on the year).  This base on balls, however, sparked the Nationals rally.  After a Nyjer Morgan bunt single Pedro, once again, fell behind (2-0) to Christian Guzman...TO READ THE REST OF THIS POST AND OTHERS LIKE IT HEAD TO METSZILLA.COM BY CLICKING HERE: http://www.metszilla.com/?p=3364