The GCL Nationals opened their best-of-three series with the GCL Phillies for the Gulf Coast League Championship with a 5-1 win.
The GCL Nats threatened in the first inning, loading the bases with one out but DH J.P. Ramirez and RF J.R. Higley cere retired without scoring a run.
The GCL Phillies got on the board in the top of the second, knocking starter Josh Smoker out of the game.
After getting two outs, Smoker allowed a single, threw a wild pitch and walked a batter, setting the stage for the Phils first run. On a groundball, 2B Steve Lombardozzi made an error fielding the ball and then another throwing the ball to allow an unearned run. This ended Smoker’s day (no word yet as to the specific reason). RHP Chris Kelley took over and got the Nats out of further trouble with a groundout to end the inning.
Kelley proceded to give the Nats six more innings of shutout relief, giving up four hits and two walks while striking out five to pick up the win.
The Nats got the run back in the bottom of the inning as SS Smiley Gonzalez delivered a two-run double with the bases loaded in the bottom of the second. 3B Ronnie Labrie manufactured a run in the bottom of the third, getting to second on an error by the Phils 3B, stealing third and scoring on a throwing error by the Phillies catcher. Ramirez homered in the bottom of the sixth to put the Nats ahead 4-1. Labrie tripled in the eighth and scored on a single by Ramirez to extend the lead to 5-1.
RHP Danny Gil came on to pitch the ninth, retiring the side in order to lock up the win.
The series continues tomorrow in Clearwater, FL with LHP Jack McGeary on the mound for the Nats looking to wrap up their best-of-three series.
estuartj | 29-Aug-08 at 2:40 pm | Permalink
Any word on if the Nats will participate in HI fall ball or if they’ll have a fall instructional camp again?
I’d hate for this to be Smoker’s last game of the year…
Freda | 29-Aug-08 at 3:06 pm | Permalink
I believe that they will be having instructional league this fall. Players have not been named as of yet, but will be very soon.
estuartj | 29-Aug-08 at 3:32 pm | Permalink
Anyone hear anything about Smoker’s early exit?
When did they announce the fall instructional league this time last year?
Nate | 29-Aug-08 at 3:42 pm | Permalink
Looks like the DSL Nats nipped the DSL Angels 3-1. Strong showing by Luis Ortega.
Mark | 29-Aug-08 at 4:02 pm | Permalink
Eury Perez is back! 1 for 3 w/ 2BB. Not bad.
JMUNats | 29-Aug-08 at 7:52 pm | Permalink
Any idea why Speigner got the start for Columbus tonight?
Nats fan in NJ | 30-Aug-08 at 6:53 am | Permalink
Gotta love talking Nats playoff baseball. Hopefully, we’ll add a few more teams to the mix next year and be able to talk about the big club in 2011 & the playoffs without people laughing at us.
Eric | 30-Aug-08 at 8:20 am | Permalink
Brian,
With the GCL about to end, will any of these guys get promoted to Vermont since their season goes for another week.
natsfan1a | 30-Aug-08 at 2:58 pm | Permalink
From Pete McElroy’s blog on the MASN site:
If you’re wondering why Smoker only lasted 1 2/3 innings, it’s becuase there is a rule that pitchers at the rookie level can only throw a maximum of 40 pitches per inning and Smoker reached that limit in the second.