Let’s play some good news, bad news…
Good news: They’re playing baseball here at Land Shark Stadium.
SEE RELATED:
Bad news: The game didn’t start until 8:44 p.m. thanks to a two-hour, 34-minute rain delay.
Good news: Marco Estrada made his first career start tonight.
Bad news: Estrada was rocked by the Marlins and lasted only 2 1/3 innings. Jorge Cantu supplied most of the damage, clubbing a three-run homer in the first and a two-run double in the third, ending Estrada’s night. I’m doubting he gets another chance to start in five days and that Ross Detwiler (who has come on in relief) will get the call instead.
Good news: Saul Rivera is the Nats’ new all-time leader in relief appearances with 237.
Bad news: What does it say about your franchise that Saul Rivera is the all-time leader in relief appearances?
Good news: Ian Desmond made his second career start at shortstop and has looked fantastic in the field and at the plate. He’s 2-for-2 with a single, a double and a walk. And he made a great play diving to his right to snag a grounder and then through from his seat to third base to force out a runner.
Bad news: Ryan Zimmerman is in a bit of a funk right now, and his average has dipped well below .300. Zim struck out in the third after Desmond’s leadoff double and grounded into a double play with two on in the fifth.
Good news: Justin Maxwell crushed an opposite-field homer in the second.
Bad news: The Nats trail 5-2.
