Nats-Cards game postponed, doubleheader Thursday
Game Preview
St. Louis (35-25) at Nationals (24-35)
Tonight's Nationals-Cardinals game has been postponed. It will be made up tomorrow as part of a day-night doubleheader.
The first game will be at 1:00p.m., with the second game at it's regularly scheduled time of 7:00 p.m.
Starting Line-Ups
Cardinals
3B Brendan Ryan
LF Brian Barton
CF Joe Mather
RF Ryan Ludwick
1B Troy Glaus
C Yadier Molina
2B Aaron Miles
P Todd Wellemeyer
SS Cesar Izturis
Nationals
SS Cristian Guzman
RF Elijah Dukes
CF Lastings Milledge
1B Aaron Boone
3B Kory Casto
C Jesus Flores
LF Wily Mo Pena
2B Willie Harris
P John Lannan
Listen to Manny Acta's pregame press conference
Perez Update
Odalis Perez left last night's game, after three innings, with tendinitis in his left (pitching) shoulder. Perez tried to pitch thru it, but he said the pain was too much. Perez said he's been bothered by the shoulder his last 3 or 4 starts. Manny Acta said he would probably miss his next start and possible two. After last night's game, Perez talked about the injury.
Pitching Match-Up
LHP John Lannan (4-5, 3.52) is hoping to get back in the win column. He has a no-decision and a loss in his last two starts. Lannan has pitched well enough to earn a win in both games, but the offense failed to give him any run support, scoring 4 total runs in those two games.
Against the Padres on May 29, Lannan tossed 6 innings of 5-hit ball, giving up 2 runs, in the Nationals' 5-2 loss. The bullpen gave up 3-run homer in the 8th and Lannan got a no-decision. The offense managed just 4 hits and only 2 while Lannan was in the game.
This the second career start against the Cardinals for the young lefty. In his first game on April 6, Lannan gave up 2 runs on 7 hits in 6.2 innings in the Redbirds 3-0 win in St. Louis.
Lannan is hoping to have better success at Nationals Park. In his 4 starts at home, he is 1-3, with a 6.63 ERA and opponents are hitting .320 against him.
RHP Todd Wellemeyer (6-1, 3.16) was named the NL Pitcher of the Month in May. He went 4-0, 2.19 ERA in 6 starts. His 3.16 ERA ranks 9th in the NL and his ERA at night, 2.61, is the 4th best in the senior circuit.
Wellemeyer's last outing, on May 30th, was a 7-inning, 1-run, 6-hitter. The Cardinals beat Pittsburgh 5-4. The lone run came on a homer. Wellemeyer has given up 8 long balls in 74 innings this season, compared to 7 in 63.2 all of last year.
The converted reliever is making his first career start against the franchise. In 7 career appearances out of the bullpen, Wellemeyer is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA.
Inside the Numbers
Big Jon Stud
Jon Rauch has retired 18 straight batters, the longest current streak in the majors and longest of his career. The longest for any pitcher this season was 23 by Joakim Soria of the Royals and Tim Hudson of the Braves. The last National/Expo with a streak that long was Pedro Astacio in 2006 (also 18 from 8/10 to 8/15). The last National/Expo with a longer streak was Livan Hernandez in 2004 (retied 28 in a row from 7/20-25).
Gettin Streaky With It
With last night's loss to the Cardinals, the Nationals have now dropped 4 straight to the Redbirds. Last year, the Nationals won 4 in-a-row and 5 of 6 from St.Louis. After winning 8 of 10 at Nationals Park, from 4/24-5/4, the Nationals have lost 8 of 11 in DC.
Get Your Green On
All fans attending tonight's game, against the Cardinals, are encouraged to wear green in conjunction with Discovery's new 24-hour eco lifestyle and entertainment channel, Planet Green. The Nationals have partnered with Planet Green, for tonight's promotion and at 6:00pm, Planet Green will flip the switch for their new programming from Nationals Park.
The first 5000 fans who exit the Metro's Navy Yard Half Street station, will receive a loaded fare card for their ride home. Those who enter the ballpark via Half Street, will walk up a Green Carpet to the Center Field Gate. Players and ushers will wear green hats for the night and fans will be greeted with "Random Acts of Greenness" throughout the game.
Discovery President & CEO David Zaslav will throw out the ceremonial first pitch from the green pitching rubber. Capital Blend, an a cappella group comprised mostly of Discovery employees, will perform the National Anthem. The line-up card delivery to the green ceremonial home plate will be handled by Eileen O'Neill, Planet Green President and General Manager. Emeril Lagasse, star of Planet Green show Emeril Green, will start the game by announcing "Washington...Let's Play Ball".
In the Community
Nationals players Wil Nieves and Saul Rivera will visit Tyler Elementary School on Thursday, June 5, from noon to 1:00pm, for the Everybody Wins! DC year-end celebration. The players will speak to the students about the importance of reading and help distribute medals for the 5th and 6th grade graduating students.
On Friday, June 6, Paul Lo Duca and Rob Mackowiak will visit Anthony Bowen Elementary school, from noon to 1:00pm. The school is hosting an Appreciation Day, in advance of the school's permanent closure.
The Washington Nationals are committed to providing programs that enhance education, increase participation in youth baseball and softball, while improving the quality of life in the local communities of the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
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