Hello everyone from Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, where the Nats and Cardinals are about to get started. I’ll provide some game updates as we move along, but let’s first get started with your questions. It appears the link to send questions is malfunctioning, so if you have something for me, please email me directly at natsmailbag@washingtontimes.com.\
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Here we go…
From John in New Carrollton:
SEE RELATED:
Mark Zuckerman:
From Jay B.
Mark Zuckerman:
Felipe Lopez
Note: It appears the link to send in questions is now working again.
From John:
Mark Zuckerman:
Top of the 1st update: Nats burst out to a quick 3-0 lead. Guzman beats out a grounder for a single. Milledge reaches on an E6. Bret Boone flies out to the CF warning track, moving both runners up. Elijah Dukes then sends a deep drive to the wall in right-center, could’ve been caught but falls in for a 2-run triple. Langerhans adds a sharp single up the middle, sending John Lannan out to the mound with a three-run lead.
From Brian in Alexandria:
Mark Zuckerman:
From Mark Wolvin:
Mark Zuckerman:
Bottom of the 1st update: John Lannan falls into some trouble, allowing a one-out triple to Joe Mather and then walking Albert Pujols on four pitches. But he strikes out Troy Glaus swinging and gets Juan Gonzalez (yes, THAT Juan Gonzalez) to ground into a forceout to end the inning. Still Nats 3, Cards 0.
From Jason in Centreville:
Mark Zuckerman:
From Mr. Madison in New Carrollton:
Mark Zuckerman:
Top of the 2nd update: Nats go down in order against Mike Parisi: Whitesell, Flores and Orr.
From Bret in Falls Church:
Mark Zuckerman:
Bottom of the 2nd update: Lannan allows a single to Ryan Ludwick but otherwise retires the side, including a strikeout of Cesar Izturis. End of the second: Nats 3, Cards 0.
From Frank in Jupiter:
Mark Zuckerman:
From Bob Geisler in Louisville, Ky.:
Mark Zuckerman:
Top of the 3rd update: Bret Boone laces another double to left-center — this guy can still hit — but it was sandwiched by Milledge and Dukes striking out. Still 3-0 Nats, with Lannan taking the mound for his third inning of work.
From Brian:
Mark Zuckerman:
From Matt in Rockville:
Mark Zuckerman:
Bottom of the 3rd update: Lannan once again shows his grit. Despite a leadoff single to Brian Barton and a walk to Joe Mather, he gets Albert Pujols to ground into a 5-4-3 and then strikes out Troy Glaus for the second time today. Looks like Lannan’s day is done: 3 ip, 3 h, 0 r, 2 bb, 3 k. Tyler Clippard about to replace him.
And with that, we’re going to have to wrap things up for today. Thanks for all the questions — good stuff. Tune in next week for another round of Q’s and A’s. See you later…