Nats lose their eighth straight

By Brian Hunsicker

Published: April 11, 2008

WASHINGTON – The Washington Nationals’ losing streak continues, and it likely will until the Nats can find a way to put a full game together. In Friday night’s series-opening 3-0 loss to Atlanta, their offense provided no complement to starting pitcher Matt Chico, who threw eight effective innings. Their bullpen left its offense with no room for error, when Jon Rauch loaded the bases with no outs to begin the ninth; two runs later scored, deepening the Nats’ deficit.

Chico, in his third start, needed only 91 pitches to get through eight innings. His only costly mis-take was a first-pitch sinker to Atlanta shortstop Yunel Escobar which barely cleared the fence in right center. He said it was his first game throwing a true sinker, but that one didn’t work.

“That was a terrible pitch,” Chico said. “It was a sinker that didn’t do anything.”

Chico’s other 90 pitches didn’t lead to mind-blowing stats – three strikeouts, one walk – but only two other runners made it as far as second base.

Washington had less success against Braves starter Tim Hudson, who was barely threatened in his eight innings. He faced three batters over the minimum, largely because of a leadoff single by Cristian Guzman in the fourth inning and a walk to Nick Johnson three batters later.

The Nationals had precious few chances and took advantage of none. The seventh started with promise and an Austin Kearns single, but was undone when Kearns was caught stealing – part of a failed hit and run with Ronnie Belliard at the plate.

“We tried that out because we know [Hudson] is around the strike zone,” manager Manny Acta said. “With the sinker especially, he got Belliard to hit the ball on the ground earlier in the game twice. He threw a tough slider outside and that just didn’t work out either.”

A game that was a solid one for Hudson was also a career game for Chico. Despite taking the loss, Chico (0-2) pitched longer than he ever had in his career (eight innings); he allowed one run or less in five previous appearances, dating to the start of 2007 – but none of those outings were longer than six innings.

“I’ve felt better every time out, but I still have some catches that I need to fix,” Chico said. “I’m slowly getting to where I want to be.”