Nationals Get Spanked in final game vs. Reds

In what has become a troublesome habit, the Nationals failed once again to sweep the last game of a multi-game series this season, Sunday against the Reds.

The game, which was rain delayed for well over 3 hours, went well until the 8th inning for the suprisingly good Washington club.  Then, as the rain started falling, so did their defense.  Going into the 8th with a 6 - 3 lead, closer Henry Rodriguez couldn't find comfort on the wet mound as rain once again began to fall.

Getting out of the 8th inning holding onto a narrow 6 - 5 lead, the Nationals were once again on defense after failing to score in the top of the 9th.  And this is where all hell broke loose for the Nats.

Rodriguez walked two batters, with two outs to load the bases.  Washington manager Davey Johnson came out to visit Rodriguez.  Rodriguez then left a 2-2 pictch up and over the plate for Cincinnati's John Votto, who hit it over the wall in center.  Thus clearing the bases, piling up 4 more runs and ending the Nationals chance of sweeping yet another series.

The club has been plagued by injuries this seaon, with a total of 11 players on the DL, including RF Jayson Werth and Catcher Wilson Ramos.  Despite these injuries, the Nationals have been able to remain on top of the NL East by calling up talented replacments from the minors.  

One has to wonder how much longer they can keep replacing starters this season before it all falls apart.