Good thing the Nats' new-look offense is working tonight, because I don't think we're going to see a long engagement from Ross Detwiler tonight.

The left-hander has already thrown 70 pitches through three innings, just 41 of them strikes, and has given up seven hits in the first three innings. This follows his start last Friday, when he gave up nine hits in five innings against the Orioles. Detwiler is having the same problem he did last week -- missing with pitches up in the zone -- and he might not make it the requisite five innings to earn his first big-league win.

Which is too bad for him, because the Nationals are hitting an equally inconsistent Kenshin Kawakami. They drew two walks in the first inning (including a six-pitch free pass from new leadoff hitter Nyjer Morgan, who stole second and scored later in the inning), got two runs in the second and another in the third on a long blast to the second deck in center field by Adam Dunn. It was the kind of shot that makes you wish they estimated home run distances at Nationals Park.

So the Nats lead 4-3 after three. We'll see which pitcher -- Detwiler or Kawakami --gives up a big inning first.

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