When a team's starting pitcher gives up four runs in the first inning that usually is quite a hole to climb out of. The Washington Nationals had that happen to them as starter Chien-Ming Wang, pitching in his first game in two years, gave up four runs in the first inning against the New York Mets. But the Nats battled back, though in a losing effort to fall to the Mets 8-5.
Wang had a rough first inning, but after giving up four runs was able to settle down for a couple innings before the Mets scored two more runs in the fourth and final inning he pitched. He pitched four innings (he had a pitch count) giving up six runs (four earned) on eight hits. He walked only one and struck out two. It wasn't what the Nationals were hoping for, but the fact he settled in later innings and some shoddy defense stood behind him gives the Nationals slight hope that maybe he is still shaking off the rust.
Offensively the Nationals put together five runs on nine hits. Outfielder Laynce Nix 2-for-5 with a RBI, centerfielder Rick Ankiel finished the night 1-for-4 with two RBI, and catcher Wilson Ramos collected a RBI of his own. Nix grounded out in the bottom of the fourth while Ryan Zimmerman and Michael Morse scored. The Nats committed one error and left 18 men on base.
Washington is firming up it's place as cellar dwellers of the NL East with their sixth straight loss. The Nationals 2011 quickly is spiraling out of control and neither the players, manager Davey Johnson or GM Mike Rizzo seem to have any idea on how to get out of their funk. The Nats are now 49-56 on the year.