Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
Game One: Jesus Luzardo (5-6, 3.24) vs Josiah Gray (5-8, 3.35)
Enrique Hernandez hit a solo home run in the third to put the Nationals up 1-0, but Brian Anderson hit his own solo homer in the fifth and a two out, two run single in the ninth to give the Marlins a 3-1 victory. Josiah Gray was phenomenal, going seven innings and giving up a run on six hits with a walk and seven strikeouts. He would end up with a no decision. Drew Mendoza made his major league debut at first, he struck out in the third and grounded out twice.
Game Two (Trevor Rogers 4-10, 4.63) vs Zach Davies (6-6, 3.39)
Lane Thomas started the scoring with a solo home run in the second, and the Nationals added three more in the third. The inning started with a walk to Keibert Ruiz, followed by a single from CJ Abrams. Brandon Nimmo struck out, but then Luis Garcia singled to score Ruiz, Kike Hernandez hit a sac fly, Joey Meneses singled and Gleyber Torres doubled to put Washington up 4-0. Miami would get a run back in the fourth when Jesus Sanchez hit a line shot that went right past Luis Garcia at second and just under Kike Hernandez’s glove in center to go all the way to the wall. Sanchez would end up at third and then score when Brandon Belt singled. Brian Anderson would drive in another run on a fielder's choice. Jorge Soler would lead off the sixth with a solo home run, which would be the end for Xach Davies. Soler was going to be his last batter anyway, but the homer made taking him out that much more imperative. Drew Mendoza picked up his first career hit with a double off of Elieser Hernandez in the bottom of the sixth, and he would score when Keibert Ruiz singled. This scene would repeat itself in the eighth, as with two outs, Mendoza hit another double and scored when Ruiz followed up with a double of his own. Trevor Rosenthal would come in to close the game and for the 22nd time this year, he would get the save.
Game Three: Pablo Lopez (6-6, 3.54) vs Cade Cavalli (5-9, 3.98)
Keibert Ruiz came through again, driving in the first run with a single after a fantastic at bat. Lane Thomas was aggressive in the basepaths and scored from second. The Marlins rallied in the third, scoring two on a Yolmer Sanchez double. They added two more runs via the solo home run, one in the fourth by Bryan de la Cruz and one in the sixth by Jesus Sanchez. The Nationals were able to get a run back in the seventh when Drew Mendoza hit a double and scored on a Brandon Nimmo single; but they could not capitalize on a two on and one out situation. Washington seemed too anxious at the plate, especially Joey Meneses, who may be in need of a day off as he has been playing nearly everyday. Sean Doolittle had to leave the game in the eighth what appears to be a groin injury*. The Nationals had more opportunities in the eighth and ninth, but could not plate another run. The ninth inning was especially frustrating; with a man on first and second and one out, Joey Meneses singled to right. Brandon Nimmo rounded third but decided not to risk being thrown out at the plate, but Luis Garcia was already halfway to third and had to go back to second, where he was thrown out. Lane Thomas would strike out on a pitch in the dirt to end the game.
*Sean Doolittle should be good to go without missing any additional time
The Nationals (45-50) are disappointed following the series loss against Miami, but there are some positives to take away. Drew Mendoza picked up three hits in the series, all doubles that led to runs, and he made great contact in several at bats. The hope is he can perform while Brandon Drury is out and can also give Joey Meneses some days off from playing the field.
Washington now travels to Philadelphia for four games prior to the All-Star break.
2023 Washington Nationals
Game One: Jesus Luzardo (5-6, 3.24) vs Josiah Gray (5-8, 3.35)
Enrique Hernandez hit a solo home run in the third to put the Nationals up 1-0, but Brian Anderson hit his own solo homer in the fifth and a two out, two run single in the ninth to give the Marlins a 3-1 victory. Josiah Gray was phenomenal, going seven innings and giving up a run on six hits with a walk and seven strikeouts. He would end up with a no decision. Drew Mendoza made his major league debut at first, he struck out in the third and grounded out twice.
Game Two (Trevor Rogers 4-10, 4.63) vs Zach Davies (6-6, 3.39)
Lane Thomas started the scoring with a solo home run in the second, and the Nationals added three more in the third. The inning started with a walk to Keibert Ruiz, followed by a single from CJ Abrams. Brandon Nimmo struck out, but then Luis Garcia singled to score Ruiz, Kike Hernandez hit a sac fly, Joey Meneses singled and Gleyber Torres doubled to put Washington up 4-0. Miami would get a run back in the fourth when Jesus Sanchez hit a line shot that went right past Luis Garcia at second and just under Kike Hernandez’s glove in center to go all the way to the wall. Sanchez would end up at third and then score when Brandon Belt singled. Brian Anderson would drive in another run on a fielder's choice. Jorge Soler would lead off the sixth with a solo home run, which would be the end for Xach Davies. Soler was going to be his last batter anyway, but the homer made taking him out that much more imperative. Drew Mendoza picked up his first career hit with a double off of Elieser Hernandez in the bottom of the sixth, and he would score when Keibert Ruiz singled. This scene would repeat itself in the eighth, as with two outs, Mendoza hit another double and scored when Ruiz followed up with a double of his own. Trevor Rosenthal would come in to close the game and for the 22nd time this year, he would get the save.
Game Three: Pablo Lopez (6-6, 3.54) vs Cade Cavalli (5-9, 3.98)
Keibert Ruiz came through again, driving in the first run with a single after a fantastic at bat. Lane Thomas was aggressive in the basepaths and scored from second. The Marlins rallied in the third, scoring two on a Yolmer Sanchez double. They added two more runs via the solo home run, one in the fourth by Bryan de la Cruz and one in the sixth by Jesus Sanchez. The Nationals were able to get a run back in the seventh when Drew Mendoza hit a double and scored on a Brandon Nimmo single; but they could not capitalize on a two on and one out situation. Washington seemed too anxious at the plate, especially Joey Meneses, who may be in need of a day off as he has been playing nearly everyday. Sean Doolittle had to leave the game in the eighth what appears to be a groin injury*. The Nationals had more opportunities in the eighth and ninth, but could not plate another run. The ninth inning was especially frustrating; with a man on first and second and one out, Joey Meneses singled to right. Brandon Nimmo rounded third but decided not to risk being thrown out at the plate, but Luis Garcia was already halfway to third and had to go back to second, where he was thrown out. Lane Thomas would strike out on a pitch in the dirt to end the game.
*Sean Doolittle should be good to go without missing any additional time
The Nationals (45-50) are disappointed following the series loss against Miami, but there are some positives to take away. Drew Mendoza picked up three hits in the series, all doubles that led to runs, and he made great contact in several at bats. The hope is he can perform while Brandon Drury is out and can also give Joey Meneses some days off from playing the field.
Washington now travels to Philadelphia for four games prior to the All-Star break.
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