SB Nation DC - Mets Vs. Nationals: Nationals Get Walk-Off Win After Blown Savehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48897/dc-fave.png2011-07-31T16:51:01-04:00http://dc.sbnation.com/rss/stream/20712392011-07-31T16:51:01-04:002011-07-31T16:51:01-04:00Mets Vs. Nationals Final Score: Nationals Win In Walk-Off After Drew Storen Blows Save
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<p>It was a wild day in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a>' front office, and ultimately, it was also a wild day on the diamond. Closer <span>Drew Storen</span>, who was involved in a number of <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/2011/7/1/2254116/mlb-trade-rumors-washington-nationals">MLB trade rumors</a> leading up to the 4 p.m. deadline, blew his fourth save of the year when he surrendered a two-out home run to <span>Scott Hairston</span> to tie the score at 2. However, the Nationals bailed him out in the bottom of the ninth, scratching a run when <span>Ian Desmond</span>'s chopper was just high enough to allow <span>Rick Ankiel</span> to score from third base.</p>
<p>Storen ended up getting the win despite blowing the save, on a day in which the Nationals elected not to include him in a deal for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> center fielder <span>Denard Span</span>. He entered to a chorus of cheers in the top of the ninth with the Nationals leading 2-1, and retired the first two batters easily. But then Hairston belted a fastball over the left field wall for his second home run of the game to tie the score.</p>
<p>The Nationals ultimately scratched a run home in the bottom of the inning with just one hit. <span>Jesus Flores</span> singled, and Rick Ankiel was hit by a pitch. After Flores was thrown out on a failed bunt attempt, Ankiel advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Desmond then hit a chopper over the pitcher's head, and Ankiel got enough of a jump to beat the throw home.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-nationals/2011/7/31/2307893/mets-vs-nationals-final-score-drew-storenMike Prada2011-07-31T11:15:13-04:002011-07-31T11:15:13-04:00Mets Vs. Nationals: As Trade Deadline Looms Nationals Set Sights On Rubber Match Win
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<p>All eyes and minds are on the Trade Deadline that expires at 4 P.M. Sunday and it has many teams and fans wondering, worrying, hoping and confused. But the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a> have a job to do and that is try and get a series win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a> in a Rubber Match game at Nationals Park.</p>
<p><span>Jordan Zimmermann</span> (<span class="stats">6-9, 3.27 ERA)</span> takes the mound against New York's <span>Jon Niese</span> (<span class="stats">10-8, 3.97 ERA). Zimmermann has had a stellar season up to the last two starts where he has strangely struggled making some wonder if he is either regressing, injured or just had a run of bad luck. In his last start against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/florida-marlins">Florida Marlins</a> Zimmermann gave up </span>six runs in 6 2/3 innings in an 11-2 loss.</p>
<p>Outfielder <span>Brian Bixler</span>, recently recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, will take over center field and lead-off duties for the Nationals on Sunday afternoon.</p>
<p>First pitch moves across the plate at 1:35 P.M.</p>
<p><b>Nationals Line-Up</b></p>
<p>1. Brian Bixler, CF</p>
<p>2. <span>Ian Desmond</span>, SS</p>
<p>3. <span>Ryan Zimmerman</span>, 3B</p>
<p>4. <span>Michael Morse</span>, 1B</p>
<p>5. <span>Jayson Werth</span>, RF</p>
<p>6. <span>Danny Espinosa</span>, 2B</p>
<p>7. <span>Jonny Gomes</span>, LF</p>
<p>8. <span>Jesus Flores</span>, C</p>
<p>9. Jordan Zimmermann, SP</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2011/7/31/2338777/mets-vs-nationals-as-trade-deadline-looms-nationals-set-sights-onAndrew Kinback