His teammates do not know how many more chances they might have to savor wearing the same uniform.

“How many times do you get to play with an icon of the game?” Jayson Werth said. “He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer. He’s Pudge. As long as we live, I don’t know if we’ll ever see another player like that.”

Rodriguez accepted his diminished role this season for the Nationals without complaint, but he rejected the notion that time had drained him of his ability. For him, starting in the Nationals’ 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves was about playing rather than ceremony. He did not think that Saturday’s game before 33,986 was possibly, if not likely, his final home start in a Nationals uniform.

“I don’t think about that,” Rodriguez said. “If it is, it is. If it’s not, it’s not. I don’t think about that. I think about the game today. I think about doing my best today.”

In his first start since July 4, Rodriguez showed why three teammates described him with the word “remarkable.” He still possesses the arm that has made him one of the greatest catchers ever, and he threw out two runners trying to steal second, including the game’s most crucial out. He called pitches for Chien-Ming Wang (4-3), who in his last start of 2011 allowed one run on four hits in six strong innings, a final accomplishment in his comeback from major shoulder surgery.

In the seventh inning, National League steals leader Michael Bourn tried to steal second with the tying run standing at the plate. Rodriguez caught a fastball from Tyler Clippard and fired a missile to second baseman Danny Espinosa. Bourn slid in too late. Rodriguez pumped his fist then stuck his pinky and index fingers in the air — two outs.

“For me, it doesn’t matter who’s running,” Rodriguez said. “I was surprised, to be honest with you. I’m ready to throw in any situation. But at the same time, I didn’t think he was going to run.”

The throw answered any questions about rust. A strained oblique in early July cost Rodriguez almost two months. Since his return, the Nationals have sat him in favor of Ramos, their clear starter, and Jesus Flores. The ascension of Ramos had made Rodriguez a backup on opening day. This month, he became a full-fledged observer.

The Nationals’ clubhouse has remained harmonious all year, and Rodriguez’s compliance played a crucial part. “If he’s not complaining about his role,” Storen said, “who is complaining?”

It did not make his 20th major league season easy. Rodriguez played in his 43rd game Saturday. He had played less than 100 games only once before, and that came because of injury in 2000, the year after he won the American League Most Valuable Player award.

Read More: Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Jesus Flores (C – WAS), Wilson Ramos (C – WAS), Stephen Strasburg (P – WAS), Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals have reinstated veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the 15-Day DL says a Press Release from the organization. “Pudge” has been on the disabled list since July 7th with a strained right oblique. From the Press Release:

Rodriguez missed the last 47 games after being placed on the DL on July 8, retroactive to July 7, with a right oblique strain. The 39-year-old is batting .214 with seven doubles, two home runs, 19 RBI and 13 runs scored in 39 games this season with Washington.

In four games during his rehab assignment, Rodriguez hit .250 (3-for-12) with a double, one home run, one RBI and three runs scored with Potomac of the Single-A Carolina League and Harrisburg of the Double-A Eastern League.

Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Rodriguez just finished up rehabbing with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators and catching Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg’s final rehab start this past Thursday. The Nationals will now have to decide what exactly what they are going to do with Rodriguez and the two other catchers on the roster, Wilson Ramos and Jesus Flores. Flores, will probably be the odd man out.

Pudge’s return can be viewed as only a positive for the team. While Rodriguez might not light up the world with his bat and glove these days, he still has some kick and is a comforting clubhouse presence.

The Washington Nationals are .500 as the second half begins for the first time since 2005, their first year in D.C. After a first half that featured gut-wrenching losses, an eight-game win streak, the sudden resignation of a manager and 36 one-run games, they open the second half Friday with a chance to finish with their best record in the nation’s capital.

A brief look at the first half and what to expect in the second:

Issues facing the Nationals

Their offense:A common refrain for the first half of the season was that the Nationals were going to be dangerous – as soon as they started hitting. Their pitching was an unquestioned strength, but the offense was more often anemic than effective. The Nationals are 46-35 when they score at least one run. Laynce Nix and Michael Morse have been the team’s most consistent hitters, and when the Nationals put out a healthy lineup that hits to its potential, they’re a sound offensive team. But the production from Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman has fallen far short thus far, putting two gaping holes in the lineup.

Jayson Werth:The $126 million man had a first half to forget. He limped into the All-Star break with a .215 average, his lowest this late in a season since 2003 when he was with the Toronto Blue Jays. Werth’s been booed at Nationals Park with each passing strikeout or inning-ending play. He’s been serviceable in right field, and no one would question his effort. But none of that carries the weight of his bat. The Nationals signed Werth coming off a career year, and so far he’s produced a career-worst. He’s known as a second-half player; the Nationals hope that holds true. Ryan Zimmerman’s numbers haven’t been up to par, but the third baseman missed the first two months and won’t be fully recovered from abdominal surgery, perhaps, until next season.

Maintaining their starting pitching: As the Nationals wait for the hitting to come around, one thing they keep reminding everyone is that water eventually seeks its level. In essence, guys who have a track record of performing are eventually going to perform. By that same token, they have to hope that doesn’t happen with their pitching staff. Jordan Zimmermann is unquestionably the best pitcher on the staff, but what happens when he reaches his innings limit? John Lannan has been outstanding as well, but in his last start before the break he took a line drive off his face. There’s no way of knowing if that affected him until he gets back on the mound. If the Nationals are going to give their offense a chance to prove them right, they need their pitching to continue being as effective.

Biggest first-half surprises

Michael Morse and Laynce Nix: When the Nationals broke from spring training, Laynce Nix was a minor league free agent who made the team and Michael Morse was handed the job as the starting left fielder. Nix, with his consistent average (.274) and steady power (12 homers), played well enough to force his way into the cleanup spot and the everyday left fielder’s job. Morse was rejuvenated when he took over at first base for the injured Adam LaRoche and became the team’s best hitter with a .306 average, 15 home runs and 49 RBI at the break.

Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond: If anyone told you Espinosa, with his 16 homers and 52 RBI (both team highs) and sterling defense at second base wasn’t exceeding expectations, they’d be lying. He’s been one of the team’s best players, and his clutch stats are off the charts (.358 average with men on base), putting him at the top of the conversation for NL Rookie of the Year. Pitchers have adjusted to Desmond after his fine rookie season, and the shortstop still is re-adjusting. His defense, however, has been outstanding in light of his 34 errors in 2010. Desmond has slowed the game in the field and makes not just routine plays but exceptional ones, consistently.

Biggest first-half disappointment:

Free-agent acquisitions: Joining Jayson Werth in this group are outfielder Rick Ankiel, first baseman Adam LaRoche and utilityman Matt Stairs. LaRoche attempted to play through a torn labrum, finally succumbing to season-ending surgery with a .172 average, three home runs and 15 RBI. Ankiel has had two stints on the disabled list and is batting just .232. ), but he has been impressive off the bench since returning to the active roster July 1. Matt Stairs, signed to provide a left-handed bat off the bench, has just nine hits in 63 at-bats.

Possible trade pieces

Jason Marquis:The veteran right-hander generally does one thing all teams need: eat up innings. On his good days, he has an impressive sinker that can baffle teams. Marquis could be a quality pick-up for a contending team with a good defense. He has playoff experience and can swing the bat. Chances are he wouldn’t fit too well in the American League – he’s 10-8 in 27 Interleague starts with a 5.50 ERA – but could shore up the back end of a contending team’s rotation for about $2.5 million, which is what’s left on his two-year, $15 million deal.

Livan Hernandez:Like Marquis, Hernandez is a workhorse who’s capable of turning in seven or more innings while allowing three runs or less. Teams would have to pay him relatively little on the $1 million deal he signed last year to stay with the Nationals. He’s a mentor to the young pitchers, though, and has a long history with the organization. But the Nationals have traded him before, to Arizona in August 2006 for pitchers Matt Chico and Garrertt Mock. It wouldn’t be surprising to see history repeat.

Ivan Rodriguez: As soon as San Francisco catcher Buster Posey went down with a broken leg in late May, the rumors began to swirl that Rodriguez would be heading west. Those rumblings have quieted, but the Nationals have made no secret that they’d trade the future Hall of Famer, who is 158 hits shy of 3,000. But even at age 39, he still provides value to their team. The chances of them being able to deal him – and get a return worth anything – took a hit last week when Rodriguez went on the disabled list with a strained right oblique. Both he and manager Davey Johnson insisted it was a slight strain and didn’t expect a prolonged absence. Rodriguez’s injury allows for Jesus Flores to get an extended look at the major league level for the first time since his 2009 shoulder surgery. He can either prove himself a viable backup to Wilson Ramos and make the Nationals even more willing to move Rodriguez, or perhaps showcase himself for a trade. Catching depth is one of the Nationals‘ strengths, with Derek Norris, 22, still in Double-A and Ramos just 23.

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Read More: Ken Griffey Jr. (DH – SEA), Alex Rodriguez (3B – NYY), Bryce Harper (CF – WAS), Washington Nationals

Tonight, in Phoenix, the most talked about hitting prospect of the last decade will be showing off the skills that made him the top pick of the 2010 draft by the Washington Nationals. Bryce Harper will bat second and play left field for the U.S. team in the 2011 XM All-Stars Futures Game, giving the fans at Arizona’s Chase Field the chance to see the phenom who has already been promoted to Washington’s Class AA affiliate Harrisburg after tearing through the Low-A South Atlantic League while a member of the Hagerstown Suns.

Harper hit .318 in Hagerstown, with 14 home runs, 46 runs batted in, 19 steals and 44 walks. As has been noted many times before, Harper has tremendous power but also great plate discipline, and his speed makes him an asset on the base paths as well. It doesn’t hurt that he also has a cannon for an arm, and is showing improvement as he works to become a capable big league outfielder. Nationals fans can only hope the comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez become reality for Harper.

Harper is not the only player representing the Nationals in the game. Right-hander Brad Peacock, now Harper’s teammate at Class AA Harrisburg, will pitch the second inning for the U.S. squad. Tony Beasley, the skipper at Harrisburg, is also at the game as a coach.

Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post will be live-blogging the Futures Game, and has mentioned Harper wasted no time showing off, crushing several batting practice home runs already.

By Andrew Kinback

– Nationals editor

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Jul 7, 2011 – The Washington Nationals haven’t been too kind to baseball teams from Chicago in 2011. In June the Nationals took a trip to the Windy City and took a three game series from the Chicago White Sox of the American League. On Thursday night the Nationals are looking to complete a four game sweep of the National League Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park.

The Cubs are in complete disarray, losing the last three games to Washington by one run and supposedly getting into a clubhouse brawl with each other prior to Tuesday night’s game. They are ripe for a complete sweep and starter Matt Garza (4-7, 3.77 ERA) is going to do his best to make sure that doesn’t happen. However, the Cubs are facing Davey Johnson’s scrappy Nats on their home turf and the Nats have developed an uncanny knack at winning games lately.

Washington turns to their “old reliable” in pitcher Livan Hernandez (5-8, 3.73 ERA) to lock down the Chicago offense which has shown pop, but not enough to overcome the surging Nationals. Nationals power hitter Laynce Nix will be out of the line-up with a soreness in his right foot and Achilles’, but says while he can’t move well he can go if needed. Ivan Rodriguez will also be out of the line-up, a late scratch, as Rodriguez is dealing with back pains. Catcher Wilson Ramos will take his place behind the plate.

The Nationals take on the Cubs at 7:05 P.M. EST.

Nationals Line-Up

1. Roger Bernadina, LF

2. Danny Espinosa, 2B

3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B

4. Michael Morse, 1B

5. Jayson Werth, RF

6. Rick Ankiel, CF

7. Ivan Rodriguez Wilson Ramos, C

8. Ian Desmond, SS

9. Livan Hernandez, SP

Read More: Jayson Werth (RF – WAS), Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Ryan Zimmerman (3B – WAS), Matt Garza (P – CHC), Livan Hernandez (P – WAS), Rick Ankiel (CF – WAS), Michael Morse (LF – WAS), Laynce Nix (LF – WAS), Roger Bernadina (RF – WAS), Ian Desmond (SS – WAS), Wilson Ramos (C – WAS), Danny Espinosa (2B – WAS), Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs

Read More: Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Stephen Drew (SS – ARI), Doug Slaten (P – WAS), Michael Morse (LF – WAS), Laynce Nix (LF – WAS), Ian Desmond (SS – WAS), Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks

The Washington Nationals dropped the game two of a four game series to the Arizona Diamondbacks by the score of 4-0. Nationals starter Yunesky Maya was not sharp and a fifth-inning which saw him load the bases and only giving up one hit to do it was his undoing. Reliever Doug Slaten ended up giving up a bases clearing triple to Stephen Drew after Maya was taken out. All the runs were charged to Maya although Slaten has now allowed 15 of 30 inherited runners to score this season.

On the other side of the Nationals game, the only way to score runs is to swing the bat and connect with the ball and the Nationals rarely did so Saturday night. If they did it was usually simple pop ups or they were not able to string hits together to make anything happen. They only recorded three hits all game as Arizona starter Josh Callmenter completely shut down the Nationals line-up. Laynce Nix, Ivan Rodriguez and Ian Desmond recorded the Nationals hits.

It was the eighth shutout of the season for the Nats who had their three game winning streak broken. Michael Morse had a hitting streak also stopped at 11.

The Nationals fall to 25-32 and are last in the NL East.

Read More: Jerry Hairston Jr. (SS – WAS), Chase Headley (3B – SDP), Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Tim Stauffer (P – SDP), Michael Morse (LF – WAS), Laynce Nix (LF – WAS), Sean Burnett (P – WAS), Kyle Phillips (C – SDP), Blake Tekotte (CF – SDP), Jordan Zimmermann (P – WAS), San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann pitched another good outing, but he is out after six innings and Sean Burnett is in to help hold off the San Diego Padres who lead Saturday’s game 2-1.

Zimmermann only gave up two runs on five hits with a walk and four strikeouts lowering his ERA to 3.88, but he ran into trouble in the fourth-inning when Chase Headley scored on a Blake Tekotte triple and then Tekotte was driven in on a Kyle Phillips single. Zimmermann now waits watching from the dugout to see if the Nationals can muster some extra offense.

The Nationals had only two hits off Padres pitcher Tim Stauffer until the bottom of the seventh-inning when powerhouse outfielder Laynce Nix took Stauffer yard for the Nats only run of the game so far. Nix, Michael Morse, Ivan Rodriguez and Jerry Hairston Jr. have all collected hits.

The Nationals and Padres are in the bottom of the seventh-inning.

General manager Mike Rizzo and the Washington Nationals were upset after Jayson Werth was called out by first-base umpire Phil Cuzzi in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 1-0 loss to the New York Mets. (Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and catcher Ivan Rodriguez were penalized by Major League Baseball on Monday for verbally confronting umpires in a stadium tunnel after a disputed call last week.

Rodriguez was fined an undisclosed amount, MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said. Courtney confirmed Rizzo was disciplined, but provided no specifics.

In general, penalties for non-uniformed personnel involve fines.

The Nationals were upset after Jayson Werth was called out by first-base umpire Phil Cuzzi in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 1-0 loss to the New York Mets. Replays appeared to show Werth was safe.

Manager Jim Riggleman argued with Cuzzi and plate umpire Manny Gonzalez, then came back on the field with Rodriguez to holler at the umpires when they walked past the Nationals’ third-base dugout after the game. With crew chief Tom Hallion away for the series, Bill Miller served as the acting chief and Gonzalez was called up from Triple-A.

Moments later, Rizzo and Rodriguez got into a verbal altercation with the umpires as they headed to their locker room at Citi Field. Uncertain which Nationals executive had accosted them, the umpires asked for help — a Mets security official went into the Nationals’ clubhouse and identified Rizzo by a head shot.

The umpires filed a report after the game with Joe Torre, MLB’s vice-president for baseball operations. Cuzzi said the crew had spoken to Torre, but declined further comment at the time.

Washington played at Milwaukee on Monday night.

By BEN WALKER
AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) – Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and catcher Ivan Rodriguez were penalized by Major League Baseball on Monday for verbally confronting umpires in a stadium tunnel after a disputed call last week.

Rodriguez was fined an undisclosed amount, MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said. Courtney confirmed Rizzo was disciplined, but provided no specifics.

In general, penalties for non-uniformed personnel involve fines.

The Nationals were upset after Jayson Werth was called out by first-base umpire Phil Cuzzi in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 1-0 loss to the New York Mets. Replays appeared to show Werth was safe.

Manager Jim Riggleman argued with Cuzzi and plate umpire Manny Gonzalez, then came back on the field with Rodriguez to holler at the umpires when they walked past the Nationals’ third-base dugout after the game. With crew chief Tom Hallion away for the series, Bill Miller served as the acting chief and Gonzalez was called up from Triple-A.

Moments later, Rizzo and Rodriguez got into a verbal altercation with the umpires as they headed to their locker room at Citi Field. Uncertain which Nationals executive had accosted them, the umpires asked for help – a Mets security official went into the Nationals’ clubhouse and identified Rizzo by a head shot.

The umpires filed a report after the game with Joe Torre, MLB’s vice president for baseball operations. Cuzzi said the crew had spoken to Torre, but declined further comment at the time.

Washington played at Milwaukee on Monday night.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

By Andrew Kinback

– Nationals editor

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May 22, 2011 – Sunday afternoon will see the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles going head-to-head in the Rubber Match of the three-game series that constitutes the first Battle of the Beltway in 2011. The Nationals have won one game of the series off their offense and they have lost a game in part to their lack of offense. The Nats look to balance it out and leave Baltimore with a series victory.

Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (2-4, 4.13 ERA) will be pitching on some extra rest. His last start against the Pittsburgh Pirates was rained out and the very next day the Nats shuffled their rotation. Zimmermann hasn’t pitched since May 12th against the Atlanta Braves, but remains unconcerned and appreciates the extra time off. Nationals.com:

“I feel fine with whatever decision they make,” Zimmermann said. “It’s probably better to get skipped now than toward the end of the season. If we are in the race or right where we need to be to make a push at the end of the season, that’s the time I really don’t want to be shut down. I want to be able to pitch, still have innings left and help the team out.”

Zimmermann and the Nationals offense will face Baltimore’s Chris Tillman (2-3, 5.35 ERA). For the first time this season both Nationals catchers will be in the line-up. Ivan Rodriguez will be behind the plate while his young apprentice Wilson Ramos will be replacing the struggling Matt Stairs at DH.

Baltimore currently leads the Battle of the Beltway series 17-15 since baseball returned to Washington. Sunday’s first pitch will be at 1:35 P.M.

Nationals Line-Up

Roger Bernadina – CF

Ian Desmond – SS

Laynce Nix – LF

Jayson Werth – RF

Wilson Ramos – DH

Michael Morse – 1B

Danny Espinosa – 2B

Ivan Rodriguez – C

Alex Cora – 3B

Jordan Zimmermann – P

Read More: Jayson Werth (RF – WAS), Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Alex Cora (2B – WAS), Matt Stairs (RF – WAS), Laynce Nix (LF – WAS), Roger Bernadina (RF – WAS), Chris Tillman (P – BAL), Ian Desmond (SS – WAS), Wilson Ramos (C – WAS), Jordan Zimmermann (P – WAS), Danny Espinosa (2B – WAS), Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates

By BEN WALKER
AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) – Manager Jim Riggleman and the Washington Nationals both got shut out Thursday – he didn’t get any answers from the umpires, his team didn’t score any runs against the New York Mets.

The weak-swinging Nationals were blanked by the Mets for the second straight day, held without a hit by Dillon Gee until pitcher Livan Hernandez grounded a clean single with two outs in the sixth inning during a 1-0 loss.

The afternoon ended with Riggleman, catcher Ivan Rodriguez and third-base coach Bo Porter on the field hollering at the umpires, moments after a disputed call at first base. Several other Nationals joined in, yelling from the dugout.

When it was over, Washington general manager Mike Rizzo verbally confronted the umps in a tunnel underneath the stands. Major League Baseball spokesman Pat Courtney said the commissioner’s office was looking into the postgame antics.

“That’s a big call, but we can’t let the game come down to that,” Riggleman said. “We’ve got to do more.”

The arguments started soon after Laynce Nix doubled with one out in the ninth inning. Jayson Werth followed with a hard one-hopper that third baseman Justin Turner snagged, but his throw appeared to pull first baseman Daniel Murphy off the bag. Plus, Werth seemed to beat the play.

First-base umpire Phil Cuzzi called Werth out.

“He was safe,” Hernandez said. “He beat him two times. He was safe because the guy was off the bag and he was safe because he beat the throw.”

Werth jumped up when Cuzzi made his call, and Riggleman came out to argue.

“I really didn’t get an explanation. He said he was out,” Riggleman said. “Obviously, I did most of the talking.”

Riggleman then took his beef down to plate umpire Manny Gonzalez, a minor league call-up.

“I wanted to see if maybe from his angle he could see it better, maybe the first baseman coming off the base. He’s got a good look at that. He refused,” Riggleman said.

Said Murphy: “Yeah, I thought I was on the bag.” Added Mets manager Terry Collins: “I thought he was out. Timing-wise, I thought he was out.”

When Adam LaRoche grounded out with Nix on third to end it, Riggleman, Rodriguez and Porter kept up the argument as the umpires walked past Washington’s dugout on the way to their locker room.

Cuzzi said he had already spoken to Joe Torre, now Major League Baseball’s vice president for baseball operations, and “he’s going to take it from there.” Cuzzi declined further comment.

“You guys have the replay,” Riggleman said to reporters.

Washington, with the worst batting average in the majors, was shut out in both games of this series. The Nationals have been blanked seven times in 43 games this year.

“We’re better than that and we’re going to have to do better than that,” Riggleman said.

No dispute, though, that Gee (3-0) knows how to tame the Nats. In his major league debut last September, the 25-year-old righty held the Nationals without a hit until Willie Harris homered leading off the sixth.

“I saw it like in the fourth or fifth” that another no-hit bid was brewing, Gee said.

“That’s still early.”

Especially for a franchise that has never thrown a no-hitter in its 50-year history.

Francisco Rodriguez closed for his 14th save in 15 chances, extending his scoreless streak to 18 innings.

Turner hit an RBI single in the fourth for the only run. That was enough for the Mets to win for the ninth time in 13 games as they head into interleague play Friday night at Yankee Stadium in the Subway Series.

The Nationals threatened in the eighth when they put runners on first and second with one out. Pinch-hitter Matt Stairs lined out to right field on Gee’s last pitch, and reliever Tim Byrdak retired pinch-hitter Michael Morse on a grounder.

Hernandez (3-6) is one of baseball’s best-hitting pitchers and bounced a solid single up the middle on the first pitch he saw in the sixth.

“As pitchers, we know that’s going to be the best pitch we get,” Gee said.

Gee gave up two hits in 7 2-3 innings, struck out three and walked three.

Hernandez gave up seven hits and struck out seven in seven innings.

“I know if I pitch good like that we’ll win a lot of games,” he said. “We have a difficult time now.”

NOTES: The Nationals start interleague play Friday night at Baltimore. Jason Marquis will start the series opener against the Orioles’ Brad Bergesen. … Hernandez is 13-15 in 39 career starts against the Mets.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Javier Vazquez had a rough week on the mound for the Florida Marlins.

Vazquez allowed six runs in the first inning of the Marlins’ 8-4 loss to the Nationals on Sunday.

Washington’s win broke an eight-game losing streak to Florida at home.

In Vazquez’s previous start against the Phillies on Monday, he didn’t make it out of the fifth inning in a loss to Philadelphia.

“I wish I knew what was going on,” Vazquez said. “It’s just unbelievable what’s going on right now.”

Vazquez is one of the most durable pitchers in the major leagues. In 14 seasons, he has 154 wins, but he’s struggled with a 2-4 record and a 7.55 ERA. Vazquez also left the team for three days after the death of his wife’s relative in Puerto Rico.

“I’m battling out there. I’m doing my best. I’m trying to make good pitches. But it’s not working,” Vazquez said.

He allowed six runs and six hits in the first inning, and stayed in the game only when Jason Marquis was thrown out at third, trying to stretch a double.

“Believe me. I’m doing my best, but nothing’s working. Nothing’s working. Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” Vazquez said.

Manager Edwin Rodriguez allowed Vazquez to stay on, and he made it through four innings, and didn’t allow any more runs, but the deficit was simply too great for the Marlins.

“All we need from him is five, six innings to keep us in the game,” Rodriguez said. “But to get behind the game like that’s putting way too much pressure on the offense.”

When Vazquez joined the Marlins this season, Rodriguez hoped he’d give him innings and wins. That hasn’t happened.

“It was a very rough first inning for Javy and that changed the whole strategy and it put us in a hole right away,” Rodriguez said.

“He needs to get out of the first inning.”

Trying to display some patience with his veteran right-hander, Rodriguez will counsel him.

“We will talk to him. He cares. He’s working, but whatever he’s doing is not working,” Rodriguez said.

Marquis had two RBIs and pitched into the seventh inning. Ivan Rodriguez also had three RBIs for the Nationals.

Marquis (5-1) drove in two runs in the first with an RBI double, and added a single in the fourth. He allowed two runs in the second — one of them unearned — and two in the seventh.

Todd Coffey relieved Marquis and Emilio Bonifacio greeted him by ricocheting a ball off his right elbow, and he had to leave. With runners on first and second, Tyler Clippard retired Hanley Ramirez to end the seventh and pitched a scoreless eighth. Cole Kimball worked the ninth.

Roger Bernadina led off the first with a bunt single, and Jayson Werth reached on an infield hit. Laynce Nix singled to score Bernadina. and after Adam LaRoche walked to load the bases, Rodriguez singled to score Werth and Nix.

LaRoche scored on Jerry Hairston’s fielder’s choice. After Alex Cora singled, Marquis doubled to left to score Hairston and Cora — but Marquis was thrown out at third.

The Marlins scored two unearned runs against Marquis in the second.

Gaby Sanchez reached on an error by Hairston, and Logan Morrison doubled to extend his hitting streak to 13 games. Sanchez scored on a sacrifice fly by Mike Stanton and Morrison came home on Brett Hayes’ single.

The Nationals scored their seventh run on an RBI double by Rodriguez in the fifth, and Florida scored its runs in the seventh on RBI singles by Greg Dobbs and Craig Coghlan.

Washington’s final run scored on an RBI single by Bernadina in the eighth.

NOTES: Florida 2B Omar Infante didn’t start for the first time this season. He pinch-hit in the ninth inning. Infante and Sanchez are the only Marlins to play in every game. … C John Buck didn’t start for just the fifth time this season. Hayes caught instead. … Rodriguez said that RHP Leo Nunez, who saved the first two games of the series, wasn’t available for Sunday’s game.

Jason Marquis takes as much pride in his hitting as in his pitching. On Sunday, his bat helped him win his fifth game.

Marquis had a two-run double in a six-run first inning and pitched into the seventh as the Washington Nationals beat the Florida Marlins 8-4.

Marquis (5-1) had a horrible season in 2010. He missed most of it after right elbow surgery and won just two games. This year, he’s not only won five of six decisions, but with his two hits, he’s batting a cool .333.

“It can help you win ballgames. It can help make two-run games, four-run games and make it a little easier,” Marquis said.

He helped stake himself to a 6-0 lead after one inning. The Nationals scored six off Javier Vazquez (2-4), and then hung on to win.

Ivan Rodriguez helped out with three RBIs — a two-run single in the first and a run-scoring double in the fifth.

By the time Marquis came to the plate, the Nationals were already up 4-0 and Vazquez was nearly out of the game. Marquis drove a ball into the left field corner, and after Jerry Hairston and Alex Cora scored, he tried to stretch the double into a triple, but was thrown out at third. Had he been safe, Vazquez would have been taken out of the game.

“It was a very rough first inning for Javy and that changed the whole strategy and it put us in a hole right away,” Florida manager Edwin Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez kept Vazquez in, and he pitched three scoreless innings, allowing just one more hit — a fourth-inning single by Marquis.

The Marlins scored two unearned runs off Marquis in the second and, trailing 7-4 in the seventh, brought the tying run to the plate against Tyler Clippard. Hanley Ramirez flied out to end the threat.

Vazquez (2-4), who left the team for three days after the death of his wife’s relative in Puerto Rico, allowed six runs and six hits in four innings. The loss snapped Florida’s eight-game winning streak in Washington.

A dejected Vazquez, his ERA ballooned to 7.55, can’t figure out what’s gone wrong for him this season.

“Believe me. I’m doing my best, but nothing’s working. Nothing’s working. Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” Vazquez said.

Vazquez has 154 wins in his 14-season major league career, and Rodriguez is just as puzzled as his veteran right-hander is.

“We will talk to him. He cares. He’s working, but whatever he’s doing is not working.”

Marquis pitched 6 2-3 innings, allowing four runs — two unearned — walking one and striking out two.

After Craig Coghlan’s RBI single in the seventh, Marquis was lifted for Todd Coffey. Emilio Bonifacio greeted him by ricocheting a ball off his right elbow, and he had to leave. X-rays were negative, and Coffey said he thinks he’ll be fine once the swelling subsides.

With runners on first and second, Clippard retired Ramirez to end the seventh and pitched a scoreless eighth. Cole Kimball worked the ninth.

Besides Rodriguez’s two-run single and Marquis’ two-run double, Laynce Nix drove in a run with a single, and Hairston’s fielder’s choice drove in another run. The six-run inning tied a club high for the season.

“Getting runs early was big. That’s been a bit of an issue for us,” manager Jim Riggleman said.

Marquis’ next start is scheduled for Friday in Baltimore, and Riggleman indicated he’ll use the designated hitter instead of allowing his slugging pitcher to hit.

That’s not Marquis’ preference, but he’ll watch someone else hit instead.

“It’s not the most important part of the game, but when I’m standing in the box, it’s the most important part,” Marquis said.

NOTES: Nationals prospect Bryce Harper had his 18-game hitting streak end when he went 0 for 4 with a walk for Hagerstown. The No. 1 draft pick is hitting .381 in the Class A South Atlantic League. … Hairston’s error was the first by the Nationals in the last 10 games. They had tied a franchise high with nine straight errorless games. … Florida 2B Omar Infante didn’t start for the first time this season. He pinch-hit in the ninth inning. … Infante and Gaby Sanchez are the only Marlins to play in every game. … Washington SS Ian Desmond (sore left quad) did not play for the second straight game. … Florida OF Logan Morrison ran his hitting streak to 13 games.

WASHINGTON, May 15 (UPI) — Ivan Rodriguez drove in three runs, including two during a six-run first inning, and the Washington Nationals hung on to down Florida 8-4 Sunday.

After Laynce Nix gave the Nats a 1-0 lead with a run-scoring single in the first frame, Rodriguez made it 3-0 with another single to drive in Nix and Jayson Werth.

The Washington catcher made it 7-2 in the fifth with a run-scoring double and the Nats avoided a three-game sweep at the hands of the Marlins.

Jason Marquis (5-1) not only pitched well but also banged out a two-run double to cap Washington’s first-inning outburst among his two hits. On the mound, he limited the Marlins to two earned runs on six hits in 6 2/3 frames.

Florida starter Javier Vazquez (2-4) was roughed up for six runs on seven hits in a four-inning effort.

Mike Stanton doubled twice and drove in a run for the Marlins.

Read More: Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Adam LaRoche (1B – WAS), Derek Lowe (P – ATL), Chipper Jones (3B – ATL), Laynce Nix (LF – WAS), Jordan Zimmermann (P – WAS), Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves

The Washington Nationals are well on their way towards a sweep of the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night. The Nationals are scoring runs and the Braves are being vexed by pitching from Jordan Zimmermann which has put the Nats in the lead 4-1.

Zimmermann has been stupendous for five-innings giving up only one run on three hits and striking out 10 Braves. Chipper Jones was able to go solo off Zimmermann in the bottom of the third. While Zimmermann has been holding the Atlanta line-up down, the Nats have been getting runs across the plate. In the second-inning second baseman took Derek Lowe yard with a two-run home run. First baseman Adam LaRoche scored Laynce Nix on an RBI single in the fourth-inning and in the same inning the Nats scored again after Ivan Rodriguez grounded into a force out, by a bad throw allowed LaRoche to score and Rodriguez to get on first.

Zimmermann is dealing as the teams move their way into the sixth-inning.

Read More: Jerry Hairston Jr. (SS – WAS), John Buck (C – FLA), Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Omar Infante (2B – FLA), Alex Cora (2B – WAS), Adam LaRoche (1B – WAS), Ricky Nolasco (P – FLA), Ian Desmond (SS – WAS), Jordan Zimmermann (P – WAS), Washington Nationals, Florida Marlins

The Washington Nationals have put two runs across the plate and pitcher Jordan Zimmermann held off the Florida Marlins with a one-hitter for four innings in the first game of a three game series at Sun Life Stadium. The Nationals lead 2-1 going into the sixth inning.

Zimmermann was superb through four giving up only one hit, but he hit a rough patch in the fifth when he allowed two Marlins to get on second and third base with no outs. Omar Infante hit a sac fly to score a run, but Zimmermann got out of the inning without further damage after Ivan Rodriguez and Alex Cora caught John Buck stealing. Zimmermann then struck out Ricky Nolasco for the third out.

His support has come from centerfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. and shortstop Ian Desmond. Hairston Jr. hit a RBI double in the second inning to score Ivan Rodriguez and Desmond brought in Adam LaRoche on a sac fly in the fourth. The Nats are outhitting the Marlins with four hits to their one and the Marlins have had one error while the Nationals have had none.

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Read More: Jerry Hairston Jr. (SS – WAS), Jayson Werth (RF – WAS), Cole Hamels (P – PHI), Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Adam LaRoche (1B – WAS), Livan Hernandez (P – WAS), Brian Bixler (SS – WAS), Ian Desmond (SS – WAS), Danny Espinosa (2B – WAS), Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ivan Rodriguez hit a two-run single in the eighth to seal the Washington Nationals’ 5-2 win against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. He was even more proud of the play he made a half-inning earlier.

Rodriguez threw out pinch-runner Darren Ford trying to steal after reliever Tyler Clippard issued a walk to open the eighth with the Nationals leading 3-2. After the play, the next two Giants went down in order and Rodriguez gave his team two insurance runs in the bottom of the inning.

“That’s like if I hit 4 for 4, to be honest with you,” Rodriguez said of his defensive play. “Throwing a guy out late in the game like that, that’s a game-saving play right there.

“To cut the rally right there is good for us. That’s why I always take a lot of pride in my defense.”

Before Rodriguez’s clutch contributions, Washington’s offense had trouble capitalizing on its chances. The Nationals scratched out a lead despite going 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position over the first seven innings, and they stranded a runner on third base four straight times between the second and fifth.

Jordan Zimmermann (2-4) made the runs Washington did get hold up. Zimmermann allowed two runs and six hits over six innings, walked two and struck out four to end his three-game losing streak. He threw 107 pitches, the most since he returned from his August 2009 Tommy John surgery late last season.

“I try to get stronger as the game goes on, and I felt fine the whole game,” Zimmermann said. “I still felt strong at the end.”

Drew Storen pitched the ninth for his fifth save in five chances to give the Nationals their third win in four games.

Alex Cora had a double, a single and an RBI for Washington, his first multihit game of the season.

“It was pitching and defense,” Cora said. “Zimmermann did a great job, Pudge came up big and we did enough offensively to get the W.”

The Giants’ only runs came in the second inning. Miguel Tejada reached on an infield single and advanced to third on Mike Fontenot’s double off the right-field wall. Nate Schierholtz hit a blooper that landed on the left-field line between left fielder Laynce Nix and shortstop Ian Desmond and scooted toward the stands, giving Schierholtz a two-run double.

Matt Cain (2-2) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings, struck out five and walked three. He also threw one costly wild pitch with the bases loaded in the third inning, allowing Rick Ankiel to score and tie the game 2-all.

Despite their troubles with runners in scoring position, the Nationals scored a single run in the second, third and fourth innings, starting with Cora’s RBI double to the right-field corner.

Washington took the lead in the fourth. With runners on second and third, Jerry Hairston hit an RBI groundout.

In the fifth, the Nationals squandered a chance to add to the lead. Jayson Werth led off with a single that went through Schierholtz’s legs when he attempted to field it on the hop, and Werth went to third on the error. He was stranded there as Cain struck out Nix and got the next two batters to pop out to first.

Rodriguez gave Washington a pair of insurance runs in the eighth. Danny Espinosa walked to lead off the inning, and after Desmond singled they advanced on a double steal and scored on Rodriguez’s single to center.

Still, Rodriguez’s throw earned the most accolades.

“That was a great game Pudge played today,” Washington manager Jim Riggleman said. “That was unbelievable. That guy Ford is about as fast as it gets in the league, and it was a changeup he threw him out on.”

In his 21st major league season, Rodriguez is splitting time behind the plate with rookie Wilson Ramos but he still has the skills to impress his teammates.

“It’s fun to watch him play when he comes to life,” said Werth, who was 3 for 4. “It reminds me of the young Pudge Rodriguez, when I used to watch him play back in the day. He’s still got a lot to offer. He’s an icon of the game, and it’s a privilege to play with him.”

Rodriguez laughed when told of Werth’s comment.

“I’m still the same guy,” Rodriguez said. “Pudge, that’s me.”

NOTES: It was the 500th home game for the Nationals since moving to Washington in 2005. The team has a 238-262 home record during that span. … Espinosa was rested, though he pinch-hit for Nix in the eighth and finished the game at second base. Espinosa and Ankiel are the only Nationals to appear in every game this season. … San Francisco placed 3B Pablo Sandoval (broken bone in his right wrist) on the 15-day disabled list and called up 3B Ryan Rohlinger from Triple-A Fresno before the game.

WASHINGTON — Ivan Rodriguez hit a two-run single in the eighth to seal the Washington Nationals’ 5-2 win against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. He was even more proud of the play he made a half-inning earlier.

Rodriguez threw out pinch-runner Darren Ford trying to steal after reliever Tyler Clippard issued a walk to open the eighth with the Nationals leading 3-2. After the play, the next two Giants went down in order and Rodriguez gave his team two insurance runs in the bottom of the inning.

“That’s like if I hit 4 for 4, to be honest with you,” Rodriguez said of his defensive play. “Throwing a guy out late in the game like that, that’s a game-saving play right there.

“To cut the rally right there is good for us. That’s why I always take a lot of pride in my defense.”

Before Rodriguez’s clutch contributions, Washington’s offense had trouble capitalizing on its chances. The Nationals scratched out a lead despite going 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position over the first seven innings, and they stranded a runner on third base four straight times between the second and fifth.

Jordan Zimmermann (2-4) made the runs Washington did get hold up. Zimmermann allowed two runs and six hits over six innings, walked two and struck out four to end his three-game losing streak. He threw 107 pitches, the most since he returned from his August 2009 Tommy John surgery late last season.

“I try to get stronger as the game goes on, and I felt fine the whole game,” Zimmermann said. “I still felt strong at the end.”

Drew Storen pitched the ninth for his fifth save in five chances to give the Nationals their third win in four games.

Alex Cora had a double, a single and an RBI for Washington, his first multihit game of the season.

“It was pitching and defense,” Cora said. “Zimmermann did a great job, Pudge came up big and we did enough offensively to get the W.”

The Giants’ only runs came in the second inning. Miguel Tejada reached on an infield single and advanced to third on Mike Fontenot’s double off the right-field wall. Nate Schierholtz hit a blooper that landed on the left-field line between left fielder Laynce Nix and shortstop Ian Desmond and scooted toward the stands, giving Schierholtz a two-run double.

Matt Cain (2-2) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings, struck out five and walked three. He also threw one costly wild pitch with the bases loaded in the third inning, allowing Rick Ankiel to score and tie the game 2-all.

Despite their troubles with runners in scoring position, the Nationals scored a single run in the second, third and fourth innings, starting with Cora’s RBI double to the right-field corner.

Washington took the lead in the fourth. With runners on second and third, Jerry Hairston hit an RBI groundout.

In the fifth, the Nationals squandered a chance to add to the lead. Jayson Werth led off with a single that went through Schierholtz’s legs when he attempted to field it on the hop, and Werth went to third on the error. He was stranded there as Cain struck out Nix and got the next two batters to pop out to first.

Rodriguez gave Washington a pair of insurance runs in the eighth. Danny Espinosa walked to lead off the inning, and after Desmond singled they advanced on a double steal and scored on Rodriguez’s single to center.

Still, Rodriguez’s throw earned the most accolades

“That was a great game Pudge played today,” Washington manager Jim Riggleman said. “That was unbelievable. That guy Ford is about as fast as it gets in the league, and it was a changeup he threw him out on.”

In his 21st major league season, Rodriguez is splitting time behind the plate with rookie Wilson Ramos but he still has the skills to impress his teammates.

“It’s fun to watch him play when he comes to life,” said Werth, who was 3 for 4. “It reminds me of the young Pudge Rodriguez, when I used to watch him play back in the day. He’s still got a lot to offer. He’s an icon of the game, and it’s a privilege to play with him.”

Rodriguez laughed when told of Werth’s comment.

“I’m still the same guy,” Rodriguez said. “Pudge, that’s me.”

NOTES: It was the 500th home game for the Nationals since moving to Washington in 2005. The team has a 238-262 home record during that span. … Espinosa was rested, though he pinch-hit for Nix in the eighth and finished the game at second base. Espinosa and Ankiel are the only Nationals to appear in every game this season. … San Francisco placed 3B Pablo Sandoval (broken bone in his right wrist) on the 15-day disabled list and called up 3B Ryan Rohlinger from Triple-A Fresno before the game.

CBSSports.com wire reports
April 17, 2011

WASHINGTON — Danny Espinosa and Ivan Rodriguez each hit three-run home runs, Jason Marquis pitched into the eighth inning and the Washington Nationals beat the Milwaukee Brewers8-4 Sunday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Ian Desmond also homered for the Nationals, who set season bests with eight runs and 11 hits.

Marquis (1-0) allowed two runs on nine hits in seven-plus innings. He struck out four and walked one. It was Marquis’ first home win in eight tries with the Nationals.

Espinosa’s second homer of the season gave the Nationals a 4-2 lead in the fifth inning. One inning later Rodriguez hit his first home run of the year, making it a five-run lead.

Yovani Gallardo (1-1) allowed seven runs on 10 hits, striking out five without a walk. Casey McGehee was 3 for 5 with an RBI for the Brewers, who dropped the first two games in the three-game series.

Saturday’s game was postponed by rain, leading to the first doubleheader at Nationals Park since a twin-bill with the Giants on June 4, 2009.

Espinosa was moved to the leadoff spot on Friday, replacing the slumping Desmond. Desmond, batting sixth, started the season 0 for 29 at home before his sixth-inning double. Desmond hit his second homer of the season in the eighth.

The Brewers scored in the top of the first inning on an RBI single by McGehee, and made it 2-0 in the fourth. Milwaukee loaded the bases on singles by McGehee, Mark Kotsay and Carlos Gomez. Gallardo came up with one out and singled to right field, scoring McGehee. Marquis got out of the jam, retiring Rickie Weeks on a foul popup and getting Craig Counsell to ground out to short.

After Rick Ankiel singled in the first inning, Gallardo retired 10 consecutive batters. Jayson Werth ended that streak with a fourth-inning single to left, and Adam LaRoche followed with a single to advance Werth to third. Werth scored on Michael Morse’s sacrifice fly to make the score 2-1.

Gallardo had more trouble in the fifth, giving up singles to Alex Cora and Marquis before Espinosa sent a full-count fastball into the Nationals’ right field bullpen.

In the sixth inning, Morse’s single and Desmond’s double set up Rodriguez’s homer, which just cleared the wall above the out-of-town scoreboard in right-center field.

The Brewers scored two runs after loading the bases in the ninth inning.

Notes

Washington placed RHP Todd Coffey on the 15-day disabled list (left calf strain) retroactive to April 9 and recalled RHP Collin Balester from Triple-A Syracuse. … The Nationals starting pitcher has lasted at least five innings in every game this season. … Milwaukee OF Nyjer Morgan (right thigh bruise) did not start in the first game. Morgan, who was traded to the Brewers from the Nationals in March, grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. … Brewers RHP Zack Greinke (fractured left rib) will travel with the team to Philadelphia, and then leave to make his first rehab start for Class-A Brevard County on Tuesday. … Brewers OF Ryan Braun has reached base in all 14 games this season.