Multiple problems facing the Nats
The Washington Nationals are in the midst of a horrible 6 game losing streak. It has been miserable, suffering through two American league series sweeps, first to the Detroit Tigers then to the Chicago White Sox.
It isn’t too difficult to determine just what is ailing the nationals. It is lack of offense and poor quality starts. As we have said before, the Nationals have two legitimate stoppers, Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals offense.
Let’s take a look at numbers.
During the 6 game losing streak, Nats batters have 38 hits in 200 at bats. That is a .190 average. That is awful. Batters 1 and 2, mainly Nyjer Morgan and Christian Guzman, are a combined 11 for 48 or a batting average of just .229. Put it quite simple, the Nationals offense has simply been misplaced. No one has an idea where it is. It has completely vanished.
As for the Nationals starters, during the 6 game losing streak, they have pitched 31.4 innings, allowed a whopping 49 hits and 26 runs, an ERA of 7.45. 3 of the 6 starts, the Nationals starter did not make it into the 5thinning. Even more daunting, take away the Stephen Strasburg and JD Martin starts, Nats starters have pitched 18.4 innings, have allowed 37 hits and 24 runs for an ERA of 11.74.
So before you blame the offense for the Nats woes, the Nationals have far larger problems than just the offense. The quality starts the Nats were getting early in the season just aren’t there, outside Starsburg and one or two here and there. John Lannan is struggling bad, putting together, during this losing streak, two starts. In those two starts, Lannan had not made it out of the 5th inning. He pitched a total of 8.2 innings, allowed 21 hits and 11 runs.
So what is the hope? Where is the ray of light? Well, hopefully it is the fact they face a three game series against the Kansas City Royal starting tonight. Livan takes the mound tonight. It is in his hand to deliver a quality start. Other than that, you just have to hope and pray the Nationals rediscover how to use a baseball bat.
