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Olsen Pitches Nationals to Victory Over Braves
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Olsen, after surviving the eighth inning, entered the ninth holding a 5-1 lead -- mostly the product of a hitting barrage against Atlanta starter Derek Lowe. Olsen wanted his first career complete game. He got within one out, and faced Nate McLouth with a runner on third. The 116th pitch of Olsen's afternoon was a rare mistake: a middle-of-the-plate fastball that McLouth popped over the right-center field wall, shaving Washington's lead to two.
This time, Acta again emerged from the dugout. Olsen didn't argue. The pitcher, while walking off the mound, covered his mouth with his black mitt. That helped muffle his disappointment as he cussed himself.
Washington tempted an agonizing ending. Closer Mike MacDougal gave up a single to Prado, then faced Jones, the potential tying run. With the count 3-2, Jones fouled off a fastball.
Cued for a victory, a few fireworks shot up from right field.
Bang, zoom, oops.
Jones turned toward the Washington dugout and said, "You've got one more pitch, bro."
Jones ended up walking, but then MacDougal forced Brian McCann to bounce to first, ending the game and preserving Olsen's first win since April 29.
"We've got to win a little more," catcher Josh Bard said, "for [the fireworks operators] to get some practice."
