Dave Martinez is facing his first challenge as a Major League skipper.
But the Nationals rookie manager is going out of his way not to push the panic button, especially in front of the fans and media.
The New York Mets beat the Nationals 6-5 in 12 innings Sunday night, sweeping the three-game series from a Washington team that has won the past two division titles and was favored for a third.
“I’m proud of those guys,” Martinez said. “If they keep playing like that all year it is going to be a lot of fun. We are just not getting that one big clutch hit. The bullpen was phenomenal. I am very proud of them.”
Washington has now lost five games in a row after starting the year 4-0, but star right fielder Bryce Harper also doesn’t seem worried.
He hit his sixth homer Sunday, which leads the majors.
“I think we have a chance this year,” he deadpanned, standing near his locker early Monday morning.
“We are a pretty good team. We are going to lose ballgames. We just have to go out there and battle the best we can.
Washington begins a three-game series at home Monday with the Atlanta Braves, who won two of three against the Nationals earlier this month. Washington right-hander Max Scherzer (1-1, 1.64) will face Atlanta right-hander Julio Teheran (0-0, 10.13) on Monday.
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