Despite snagging second here and collecting three hits, Nyjer Morgancouldn’t spark the Nationals to a win last night.
(AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
- Rockies 4, Nationals 3: Lost in all the Strasburgian elation, it was almost easy to forget that there was an actual baseball game this evening. Unfortunately, the nine on the field couldn’t follow up the front office’s big win with one of their own, losing for the first time in their last nine home games against the Rockies. Even though Colorado roughed up Nationals relievers for two solo home runs in the final two innings, the Nats had a chance to at least take things into extra innings — but Ryan Zimmerman lined out to left with runners on the corners to make the final out. Nationals starter Craig Stammen pitched adequately, giving up only two runs in 5.1 innings, and even knocked in a run in the fourth inning on his third double of the season. But he was outdone by Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez (11-9), who went eight solid innings for the win. It was a night where the lineup just couldn’t seem to get much momentum going, although Nyjer Morgan did have three hits. And hey, we got Strasburg! (Feel better?)
- Marathon 3, D.C. United 1: The trip to San Pedro Sula to take on Honduran champion Marathon in their first game of group play in the CONCACAF Champions League might have been longer than United’s normal MLS jaunt — but it was much of the same road form, as a late lapse in defense handed D.C. a rough defeat. The Black-and-Red seemed like they were in good position to earn a point at the Olímpico Metropolitano, after Luciano Emilio sacrificed his head (and lost some blood for his trouble) to knock in an equalizer in the 48th minute. United even had a gilded chance to take the game by scruff of the neck when a wonderfully-lofted cross by Santino Quaranta was met squarely by Devon McTavish — but Juan Ángel Obelar saved expertly for Marathon. After that, it was all downhill, as it usually seems to be for D.C. on the road. A wonderful flick on from Mitchell Brown came with ten minutes to spare, and talisman Jerry Palacios finished smoothly. It was a deserved goal for Marathon, who played well during the final third of the match. Mario Berríos tacked on a penalty to complete the victory. Of course, the Champions League is a nice thing to participate in, but United will be eager to get back into the MLS playoff race — they host Beckham and the Galaxy at RFK on Saturday.
