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Jake Peavy stills Nationals’ bats in 3-2 victory in Game 1 of NLDS Jake Peavy stills Nationals’ bats in 3-2 victory in Game 1 of NLDS
(35 minutes later)
They had all waited two years for Friday afternoon, for the Washington Nationals’ return to the postseason, but the 44,035 filling Nationals Park had fallen quiet after the seventh-inning stretch. They had been thrilled by Stephen Strasburg’s 99-mph fastball, discouraged by the San Francisco Giants’ relentless execution and deflated by a meat-grinder of a sixth inning. They had been left to gnash teeth and chew fingernails and ponder a three-run deficit. They had seen the worst the playoffs can offer, and now maybe they expected it. And then Bryce Harper happened.They had all waited two years for Friday afternoon, for the Washington Nationals’ return to the postseason, but the 44,035 filling Nationals Park had fallen quiet after the seventh-inning stretch. They had been thrilled by Stephen Strasburg’s 99-mph fastball, discouraged by the San Francisco Giants’ relentless execution and deflated by a meat-grinder of a sixth inning. They had been left to gnash teeth and chew fingernails and ponder a three-run deficit. They had seen the worst the playoffs can offer, and now maybe they expected it. And then Bryce Harper happened.
Harper’s missile into the third deck ignited the Nationals’ comeback in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, but the battle-tested Giants fended off the Nationals’ rallies to claim a white-knuckled, 3-2 victory. The Nationals will hand the ball and a 1-0 series deficit to Jordan Zimmermann on Saturday at 5:37 p.m. for Game 2 against longtime nemesis Tim Hudson, asking their star right-hander to follow his no-hitter in a season-turning situation.Harper’s missile into the third deck ignited the Nationals’ comeback in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, but the battle-tested Giants fended off the Nationals’ rallies to claim a white-knuckled, 3-2 victory. The Nationals will hand the ball and a 1-0 series deficit to Jordan Zimmermann on Saturday at 5:37 p.m. for Game 2 against longtime nemesis Tim Hudson, asking their star right-hander to follow his no-hitter in a season-turning situation.
In his postseason debut, which came two years after the Nationals sidelined him for the playoffs, Strasburg allowed two runs in five-plus innings on eight hits, all singles, while striking out only two against a lineup of relentless contact hitters. Ian Desmond went 0 for 4 with two key strikeouts in the middle of rallies.In his postseason debut, which came two years after the Nationals sidelined him for the playoffs, Strasburg allowed two runs in five-plus innings on eight hits, all singles, while striking out only two against a lineup of relentless contact hitters. Ian Desmond went 0 for 4 with two key strikeouts in the middle of rallies.
Giants starter Jake Peavy allowed no runs in 5 2 / 3 innings on only two hits and three walks. He never challenged the Nationals. He threw motley mix of cutters and sinkers to the edges of the plate, either just over the corners or just off. The Nationals never submitted, using patience to drive up his pitch count. But Peavy never wavered, either, leaving with two outs in the sixth and a zero still on the scoreboard. Giants starter Jake Peavy allowed no runs in 52 / 3 innings on only two hits and three walks. He never challenged the Nationals. He threw a motley mix of cutters and sinkers to the edges of the plate, either just over the corners or just off. The Nationals never submitted, using patience to drive up his pitch count. But Peavy never wavered, either, leaving with two outs in the sixth and a zero still on the scoreboard.
The Nationals have self-identified since opening day — when they beat the New York Mets in 10 innings after easing a three-run deficit — as a resilient group. They won 14 times after they trailed after six innings. They built their second-half surge on a stretch of five-walk off victories in six games. The Nationals have self-identified since opening day — when they beat the New York Mets in 10 innings after erasing a three-run deficit — as a resilient group. They won 14 times after they trailed after six innings. They built their second-half surge on a stretch of five walk-off victories in six games.
With the Nationals trialing, 3-0, Harper led off the seventh. Rookie Hunter Strickland – who had shut down a sixth-inning rally with a 100-mph fastball – fired a 2-1, 97-mph fastball, down the middle and at the knees. Harper unleashed his viciously efficient swing, all liquid violence and bad intentions. The ball screamed toward right field. Strickland covered his face with glove, either because he wanted to curse on live television or because he could not bear to watch the ball’s sonic-boom flight. Harper paced out of the dugout, admiring his work, a chance he had earned. With the Nationals trailing, 3-0, Harper led off the seventh. Rookie Hunter Strickland — who had shut down a sixth-inning rally with a 100-mph fastball — fired a 2-1, 97-mph fastball, down the middle and at the knees. Harper unleashed his viciously efficient swing. The ball screamed toward right field. Strickland covered his face with his glove, either because he wanted to curse on live television or because he could not bear to watch the ball’s sonic-boom flight. Harper paced out of the batter’s box, admiring his work, a chance he had earned.
As Harper tossed his bat aside, the ball landed three rows deep in the third deck, beyond the façade marking Jackie Robinson’s retired No. 42. Harper tore around the bases so quickly he pressed his hand to his helmet to ensure it would not fall off. He floated across home plate and leapt in the air, flashing the thumb, index finger and pinkie off his left hand – the sign for “I love you” to his parents, Ron and Sheri Harper of Las Vegas. As Harper tossed his bat aside, the ball landed three rows deep in the third deck, beyond the facade marking Jackie Robinson’s retired No. 42. Harper tore around the bases so quickly he pressed his hand to his helmet to ensure it would not fall off. He floated across home plate and leapt in the air, flashing the thumb, index finger and pinkie off his left hand — the sign for “I love you” to his parents, Ron and Sheri Harper of Las Vegas.
Harper’s blast invigorated Nationals Park. Energy rippled through the stadium even after Wilson Ramos took a close 3-2 pitch for strike three. Cabrera walked to the plate next. Strickland threw him a 1-2 inside fastball and the letters. Cabrera turned on it and drilled it into the Nationals bullpen. He skipped out of the batter’s box and circled the bases. Harper’s blast invigorated Nationals Park. Energy rippled through the stadium even after Wilson Ramos took a close 3-2 pitch for strike three. Asdrubal Cabrera walked to the plate next. Strickland threw him a 1-2 inside fastball and the letters. Cabrera turned on it and drilled it into the Nationals bullpen. He skipped out of the batter’s box and circled the bases.
The Nationals had cut the lead to 3-2, and the crowd reached a new decibel level as Ryan Zimmerman, the franchise player reduced to bench duty by a balky right hamstring, dug into the box. He smoked a line drive to center field, but Gregor Blanco settled under it for the second out, and the inning fizzled.The Nationals had cut the lead to 3-2, and the crowd reached a new decibel level as Ryan Zimmerman, the franchise player reduced to bench duty by a balky right hamstring, dug into the box. He smoked a line drive to center field, but Gregor Blanco settled under it for the second out, and the inning fizzled.
The Nationals kept the pressure on in eighth against Giants set-up Sergio Romo. Anthony Rendon singled through the right side, and with one out Adam LaRoche flicked an opposite-field single to left. The key at-bat fell to Desmond. After he took strike one, Desmond fished for two sliders that broke away from him and out of the strike zone. Harper grounded to first base, and the tying run skulked off the fileld. The Nationals kept the pressure on in the eighth against Giants set-up man Sergio Romo. Anthony Rendon singled through the right side, and with one out Adam LaRoche flicked an opposite-field single to left. The key at-bat fell to Desmond. After he took strike one, Desmond fished for two sliders that broke away from him and out of the strike zone. Harper grounded to first base, and the tying run skulked off the fileld.
Desmond had also foiled a rally in the dramatic, deflating sixth. Pinch hitter Nate Schierholtz led off with a double, putting the Nationals in an ideal position. They feasted all year on worn-out pitchers their third trip through the lineup, and Peavy’s pitch climbed toward 100. Denard Span and Anthony Rendon both flew out. But when Jayson Werth drew a walk to put two men on, the inning’s strategy exploded. Desmond had also foiled a rally in the dramatic, deflating sixth. Pinch hitter Nate Schierholtz led off with a double, putting the Nationals in an ideal position. They feasted all year on worn-out pitchers their third trip through the lineup, and Peavy’s pitch count climbed toward 100. Denard Span and Rendon both flied out. But when Jayson Werth drew a walk to put two men on, the inning’s strategy got interesting.
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy summoned sidewinding lefty Javier Lopez to face cleanup hitter Adam LaRoche, who had gone 0 for 9 with eight strikeouts against Lopez. Manager Matt Williams kept Ryan Zimmerman holstered, and LaRoche rewarded his faith by drawing a walk to load the bases. Giants Manager Bruce Bochy summoned sidewinding lefty Javier Lopez to face cleanup hitter LaRoche, who had gone 0 for 9 with eight strikeouts against Lopez. Manager Matt Williams kept Zimmerman holstered, and LaRoche rewarded his faith by drawing a walk to load the bases.
Up the plate walked Desmond, who in his career had hit .433/.388/.583 in 67 plate appearances with the bases loaded. Bochy emerged from the first base dugout again and summoned Hunter Strickland, a lightning-armed, 26-year-old right-hander who had made his major league debut on Sept. 1. Up to the plate walked Desmond, who in his career had hit .433 with a .388 on-base percentage and .583 slugging percentage in 67 plate appearances with the bases loaded. Bochy emerged from the first base dugout again and summoned Strickland, a lightning-armed, 26-year-old right-hander who had made his major league debut on Sept. 1.
Desmond can a hit fastball, but he couldn’t touch Strickland. He threw Desmond pitches clocked at 99, 98, 99 and 100 miles per hour. Desmond waved at the last, and the Nationals had left the bases loaded. Desmond can a hit fastball, but he couldn’t touch Strickland. He threw Desmond pitches clocked at 99, 98, 99 and 100 mph. Desmond waved at the last, and the Nationals had left the bases loaded.
As air escaped the stadium, reliever Craig Stammen took over and allowed Joe Panik a leadoff triple in the seventh. Panik scored on Buster Posey’s single that deflected off Stammen’s glove, an insurance that the Giants would come to need desperately. As air escaped the stadium, reliever Craig Stammen took over and allowed Joe Panik a leadoff triple in the seventh. Panik scored on Buster Posey’s single that deflected off Stammen’s glove, an insurance run that the Giants would come to need desperately.
In the first inning, Strasburg revealed his excitement for his first playoff start. All nine fastballs Strasburg threw, out of 11 pitches, hummed at least 97 miles per hour. He threw one change-up, and it dove to the plate at 91 miles per hour. He finished the inning with a 2-2 fastball to Buster Posey. The scoreboard radar gun flashed “99” – the fastest pitch Strasburg had thrown since 2012. Posey flied out to right field, and Jayson Werth shuffled backward a few steps to snare the third out. In the first inning, Strasburg revealed his excitement for his first playoff start. All nine fastballs Strasburg threw, out of 11 pitches, hummed at least 97 mph. He threw one change-up, and it dove to the plate at 91 mph. He finished the inning with a 2-2 fastball to Posey. The scoreboard radar gun flashed “99” — the fastest pitch Strasburg had thrown since 2012. Posey flied out to right field, and Werth shuffled backward a few steps to snare the third out.
Strasburg rolled into the third inning, when the Giants struck. Travis Ishikawa rolled a 96-mph fastball into center field for a leadoff single. Peavy pushed a sacrifice bunt toward first, and Adam LaRoche charged and scooped it. Rather than tossing to first for an easy out, LaRoche gambled and fired to second for the lead runner. Ishikawa’s slide beat LaRoche’s risky throw, and he was ruled safe after Bochy challenge the original out call. Strasburg rolled into the third inning, when the Giants struck. Travis Ishikawa rolled a 96-mph fastball into center field for a leadoff single. Peavy pushed a sacrifice bunt toward first, and LaRoche charged and scooped it. Rather than tossing to first for an easy out, LaRoche gambled and fired to second for the lead runner. Ishikawa’s slide beat LaRoche’s risky throw, and he was ruled safe after Bochy challenged the original out call.
Blanco lofted a fly ball to deep center field, and Denard Span held Ishikawa at second with a strong throw to third base. Ishikawa scooted to third, anyway, when Strasburg’s 96-mph sinker squirted out of Ramos’s mitt, a passed ball that moved both runners into scoring position. Blanco lofted a flyball to deep center field, and Span held Ishikawa at second with a strong throw to third base. Ishikawa scooted to third, anyway, when Strasburg’s 96-mph sinker squirted out of Ramos’s mitt, a passed ball that moved both runners into scoring position.
With sound defense, Strasburg would have faced a man on second with two outs. Instead, two runners stood in scoring position with only one out. Joe Panik ripped a single to center field, and Ishikawa crossed with the game’s first. The inning threatened to spiral as Posey, the 2012 MVP, walked to the plate. Strasburg induced a 5-4-3 double play and limited the damage – a test passed. With sound defense, Strasburg would have faced a man on second with two outs. Instead, two runners stood in scoring position with only one out. Panik ripped a single to center field, and Ishikawa crossed the plate with the game’s first run. The inning threatened to spiral as Posey, the 2012 NL MVP, walked to the plate. Strasburg induced a 5-4-3 double play and limited the damage — a test passed.
Strasburg leaked another run in the fourth inning after Hunter Pence reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second base. Brandon Belt laced a change-up into right field, and Pence bolted around third and slid home. As Pence leaped to his feet and pumped his fist, Nationals Park felt whisper quiet.Strasburg leaked another run in the fourth inning after Hunter Pence reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second base. Brandon Belt laced a change-up into right field, and Pence bolted around third and slid home. As Pence leaped to his feet and pumped his fist, Nationals Park felt whisper quiet.
Strasburg threw seven straight balls to open the fifth and induced a visit from pitching coach Steve McCatty. He wormed out a two-on, one-out jam by striking out Pablo Sandoval with a 97-mph fastball, just his second of the day. Strasburg threw seven straight balls to open the fifth and induced a visit from pitching coach Steve McCatty. He wormed out of a two-on, one-out jam by striking out Pablo Sandoval with a 97-mph fastball, just his second strikeout of the day.
Williams left Strasburg on the mound to start the sixth, even with three lefties due up. Belt and Crawford singled, and Williams called on Jerry Blevins. Throwing cutters and curves to the outside corner, Blevins retired Ishikawa, Peavy and Blanco in a row, a monster relief appearance that held the deficit at 2-0. Williams left Strasburg on the mound to start the sixth, even with three lefties due up. Belt and Brandon Crawford singled, and Williams called on Jerry Blevins. Throwing cutters and curves to the outside corner, Blevins retired Ishikawa, Peavy and Blanco in a row, a monster relief appearance that held the deficit at 2-0.