Mets' 8-Run Inning Keys 18th Shutout of Nationals: Mets 12, Nationals 0
By Zach Berman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Jason Bergmann stood by his locker after the 46th start of his career, and indisputably one of his worst. The Washington Nationals pitcher was ready to answer questions and deflect excuses following the Nationals' 12-0 loss to the New York Mets last night.
After 46 starts, Bergmann knows one that includes 10 runs -- six of which were earned -- in just three innings is a game that needs little explanation.
"The only thing to take from today," he said, "is to forget about it."
The Nationals Park crowd voiced its displeasure with the performance, booing after walks accumulated and releasing a cheer riddled with relief once a dreadful, eight-run third inning closed.
One run in the first inning was all the Mets needed to surpass the Nationals. It was Washington's sixth straight loss and the Nationals must win today to avoid suffering consecutive series sweeps.
Bergmann did little to help himself, and his offense provided no support. Last night marked the 18th time the Nationals have been shut out this season and the third time in six games. The eight runs allowed in the third inning matched the total number of runs the Nationals have scored in six games.
After allowing two runs to begin the third, Bergmann walked the Mets' No. 8 and No. 9 hitters, including the pitcher, It was a fate fans were resigned to, given the way Bergmann was pitching.
"I need to throw a strike to get the guy to swing," Bergmann said.
"He just didn't have it," Nationals Manager Manny Acta said. "He couldn't throw anything for a strike, especially inside."
The defense did not help, either. José Reyes ripped a sharp ground ball to Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzmán. Perhaps because Brian Schneider ran past Guzmán and momentarily blocked his view, Guzmán could not field the ball. Two runs scored, no out was recorded and the scoreboard continued changing.
Acta declined to seek relief. With the pitcher's spot due up second in the batting order and a bullpen forced into extended duty during the last week, Acta needed Bergmann to last five innings or 100 pitches.
By the time the inning concluded, he had lasted three innings and 89 pitches with six walks.
"I really don't care what people think," Acta said. "We have to do what we have to do, There are times the pitchers have to take it on the chin for their teammates. Everybody knows the situation."
Acta said he is not worried about the state of the bullpen for tonight's game, especially because Garrett Mock can be used after starting on Monday. But Acta needs starter Collin Ballester to last longer.
"I'm not anticipating my starter getting out in the third again tomorrow," Acta said.
With a 10-run, third-inning lead, Mets starter John Maine eased through the Nationals' lineup. The Nationals recorded just one hit off Maine, who walked four and struck out six in five innings in his first start since coming off the disabled list.
The hit came in the second inning from Lastings Milledge, who extended his hitting streak to 14 games. The streak ties Guzmán for the Nationals' longest of the season. Guzmán hit in 14 successive games from June 21 to July 6.
Nationals fans seeking any kind of offensive solace besides Milledge can look to Emilio Bonifacio, the second baseman who two weeks ago was credited for a Nationals revival. Then Bonifacio returned to earth and suffered a 0-for-23 hitting skid, snapped with a single in the eighth inning last night. He also drew his first two walks of the season.
"We got to be patient with the kid," Acta said. "He's here to play. Just about a week or so ago, some people wanted to put him in the Hall of Fame. Let's not bury him now."
It might be revealing, though, that the only glimmer of praise distributed to the Nationals is an otherwise meaningless single in the eighth inning of a game they lost 12-0.
The frustration clearly spilled into the stands, where the only late-inning cheers heard were New Yorkers rallying, "Let's Go, Mets." The Nationals' fans voiced their feelings in the third inning, when resounding boos turned only to cheers upon the conclusion of a gruesome eight-run rally -- a sour turn to a series that started with a close game on Tuesday.
"It counts like one. It doesn't count for two or 12," Acta said. "It was just like [Tuesday]. Just not as pretty."
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