| Page 2 of 2 < |
Little Guys, Big Changes: Nats Notch a Sweep
Washington Nationals' Lastings Milledge hits a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds' during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
(Nick Wass - AP)
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Staked to a 4-0 lead, the product of the two-out rally against Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto, Balester (6 feet 5) limited the Reds to one run in 5 1/3 innings and 101 pitches. But perhaps his biggest moment extended from the one pitch he didn't throw. In the second, when a single and a hit batsman placed runners on first and second, Balester noticed Cincinnati's leading base runner, Brandon Phillips, was taking an aggressive lead. In the minors this year, Balester picked off four runners. "I just try to be as fast as I can," Balester said. Before one pitch to Corey Patterson, Balester nodded at shortstop González, whom the right-hander has known for all of three days.
But González understood the idea; he'd been tipped before the game by pitching coach Randy St. Claire about Balester's quick pick-off move.
"We were on the same page," Balester said.
Balester, set on the mound, took the sign from Nieves. A curveball. Balester nodded yes.
But his hand maintained a fastball grip.
That's the kind of ball you throw to second.
When Phillips leaned too far toward third base, Balester spun 180 degrees, darting a low throw to the bag that González caught in perfect position. The shortstop tagged a diving Phillips near the armpit. Second base umpire Jeff Kellogg pushed his fist through the air. Balester's inning, in an instant, was cleared of the threat.
"It was good," Balester said. "Good to get out of that little jam. You never know. The next guy could have hit a three-run home run and tied the game."
One locker over, fellow pitcher John Lannan overheard the conversation, smiled wide, and joined in.
"No way," Lannan said. "Not the way you were pitching today, Bally."
