Instant Analysis: Braves 6, Nats 2
Foster Griffin struggled through his worst start in two months, Luis García Jr. departed with a sore knee and the Nationals fell under .500
ATLANTA – If this weekend’s series against the Braves is going to determine whether the Nationals are buyers or sellers before Monday’s trade deadline, the results of the last two nights certainly tilt in one direction. And not the good one.
With back-to-back losses at Truist Park, the Nats fell under the .500 mark for the first time in two weeks, leaving them in a precarious position as the calendar now shifts to August. Like several recent losses, they once again struggled with runners in scoring position. Unlike any recent games, they also saw Foster Griffin struggle on the mound.
The All-Star left-hander was charged with six runs in 5 1/3 innings, the first time he allowed more than three runs in a start since May 19. His ERA jumped from 2.76 to 3.06. Whether one bad outing impacts the possibility of Griffin being traded before Monday remains to be seen, but it certainly put a dent into the team’s hopes of gaining ground in the NL wild-card race.
Also hurting the Nationals’ chances: Their inability to get a clutch hit. For the second straight night, they went hitless with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-8 this time after going 0-for-9 in Thursday night’s series opener. CJ Abrams’ leadoff homer in the fourth accounted for their lone run tonight off Braves starter Bryce Elder, with Andrés Chaparro homering off reliever Elieser Hernandez in the top of the ninth.
HITTING LOWLIGHT: As was the case Thursday night, the Nationals gave themselves chances to score runs in bunches. And as was the case that night, they came up short every time they had one of those chances. Brady House made solid contact but flied out to the warning track with two on and two out in the first. Daylen Lile and Harry Ford each popped up with runners on second and third in the sixth. Chaparro popped up and Dylan Crews struck out with two on in the seventh. And Ford and José Tena hit lazy flyballs to center with two on in the eighth to complete another frustrating night at the plate.
PITCHING LOWLIGHT: Griffin was going to be the center of attention tonight, no matter the result. He certainly would’ve preferred that be the case for a positive performance, though. Facing the Braves for the third time this season – the first time he has seen an opponent more than twice – the left-hander was done in by two blasts, a significant amount of loud contact (nine hits in 5 1/3 innings) and an especially aggressive approach by Atlanta’s hitters at the end. The first three batters to face him in the sixth each recorded a hit on the first pitch, with Matt Olson doubling, Ozzie Albies singling and Michael Harris II homering. Two batters later, Blake Butera made the walk to the mound and asked for the ball. Griffin trudged back to the dugout, head down, wondering where his next start will take place.
NOTABLE: When Chaparro pinch-hit for Luis García Jr. against a right-hander in the top of the seventh, it certainly felt out of place. But it nothing to do with the trade deadline. García departed with right knee soreness, the Nationals announced a short while later.
UP NEXT: It’s a Saturday night game (7:15 p.m.) here, with some potential storms in the forecast for good measure. Miles Mikolas is scheduled to start for the Nats (unless they go with an opener) against Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez. TV: Nationals TV RADIO: 106.7 FM
Really hope Luis is not hurt too seriously. That would be a major blow to either buying or selling.
I can’t be mad at foster at all tho. He was due for a game like that.
And Brady House continues to show why Jorbit vivas can never be allowed to see the field ever again.
Good summary. Showed some life top ninth. Dig in, win a couple to split the series. Let’s go.