Five pitchers, nine innings, one unconventional win
With PJ Poulin opening, Zack Littell in bulk relief and Richard Lovelady closing, the Nationals went all-in to beat the Brewers
Richard Lovelady was the fifth Nationals pitcher to take the mound this afternoon. That’s not usually a plan for success. Or, at least, it’s often a sign something hasn’t gone right and the team has needed to scramble to cover all nine innings.
But look at the final line score today. The Nats won 3-2. They allowed only four hits, and two of those came in the top of the ninth (one a cheap single awarded to Gary Sanchez after James Wood lost a routine fly ball to in the sun).
This was the ultimate combined performance from the Nationals pitching staff. Zack Littell may have been credited with the win. And Lovelady may have been credited with the save. But everybody who pitched had a role in making it possible.
“Regardless if it’s a guy going a complete game or we’re using six arms, it’s a collective effort,” Lovelady said. “That’s the way we go about it. Everybody plays a part, regardless if you get one out or you get 27 outs.”
