Baker makes deft use of bullpen to get 14 outs, even series

Baker makes deft use of bullpen to get 14 outs, even series
The Nationals finally had the lead, courtesy of Jose Lobaton's three-run homer in the fourth inning, and manager Dusty Baker didn't want to take any chances when starting pitcher Tanner Roark started scuffling in the fifth. With his pitch count mounting and the Dodgers locking in on the right-hander, Baker made the call to the bullpen. Well, the first of many calls. Baker asked his relief corps to get the final 14 outs of a game and prevent the Nationals from going into an 0-2 hole in the...
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Lobaton's homer gives Nats first lead (Nationals win 5-2)

Lobaton's homer gives Nats first lead (Nationals win 5-2)
Well, it didn't take long for the Dodgers to take a lead in Game 2 of the National League Division Series. And they followed a familiar script. Corey Seager, the second batter of the game, blasted a 93 mph 3-0 fastball from Tanner Roark over the wall in right-center for a 1-0 lead. Seager did the same in Friday's series opener, connecting off Max Scherzer. This time, he went deep three pitches after Roark sailed an uh-oh pitch over his helmet. The wind didn't really aid Seager's shot, but...
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Baker on Nationals' "upside-down" pitching options

Baker on Nationals' "upside-down" pitching options
The skies have cleared - apparently, all of those gusty winds are good for something - and there will be baseball today at Nationals Park. But there's little clarity in the Nationals' postseason rotation past left-hander Gio Gonzalez's start in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Monday at Dodger Stadium. Manager Dusty Baker said during his Sunday morning media briefing that the Nationals remain undecided who will start Games 4 and 5 of the NLDS, and that how the Nationals...
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Baker says slumping Harper needs to counteract game plans being used against him

Baker says slumping Harper needs to counteract game plans being used against him
If there's any stress jockeying with Bryce Harper's confidence heading into Game 2 of the National League Division Series, the usually upbeat Nationals slugger isn't showing it. He arrived at Nationals Park shortly before noon, cruising down the hallway toward the home clubhouse on a Hoverboard, joking with a teammate as he maneuvered the craft on a concrete path. It's business as usual for Harper, even if the Nats need to win today to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole in the best-of-five...
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NLDS notebook: Baker defends Murphy's unsuccessful dash to second

NLDS notebook: Baker defends Murphy's unsuccessful dash to second
Nationals manager Dusty Baker was his usual aggressive self in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. The Nats pulled off a successful double steal, setting the stage for Anthony Rendon's two-run single in the third inning, but an unsuccessful theft attempt by Daniel Murphy in the seventh cost the Nats a scoring opportunity in a 4-3 loss to the Dodgers. With one out, Murphy drew a walk off Dodgers reliever Pedro Baez. With Rendon, who had already singled twice, at the plate, Murphy...
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Orioles announce roster for wild card game

Orioles announce roster for wild card game
The Orioles have announced their roster for the 2016 American League Wild Card Game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Infielders/outfielders (13): Pedro Alvarez, Michael Bourn, Chris Davis, Ryan Flaherty, J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones, Hyun Soo Kim, Manny Machado, Trey Mancini, Nolan Reimold, Jonathan Schoop, Drew Stubbs, Mark Trumbo Catchers (2): Caleb Joseph, Matt Wieters Pitchers (10): Brad Brach, Zach Britton, Dylan Bundy, Brian Duensing, Mychal Givens, Donnie Hart, Tommy Hunter, Ubaldo Jimenez,...
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Orioles announce pair of "Postseason Push" rallies

Orioles announce pair of "Postseason Push" rallies
The Orioles today announced a pair of rallies to generate excitement for the team's push for the postseason. The first rally will be held at Mother's North Grille in Timonium on Friday, September 30, sponsored by Budweiser, and the second rally will take place at Walmart in Towson Marketplace on October 1, sponsored by Coca-Cola. Former Orioles players, in addition to the Oriole Bird and Orioles public address announcer Ryan Wagner, will participate in both events, joining Joe Orsulak from...
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Orioles announce postseason ticket options

Orioles announce postseason ticket options
The Orioles today announced two options for fans to purchase AL Wild Card and American League Division Series tickets, which will be available exclusively online. Fans are encouraged to visit www.orioles.com/postseason for a Postseason seating chart, schedule, and additional ticket information. American League Championship Series and World Series tickets will be made available for sale at a later date, as necessary. * Option 1 - Guaranteed Postseason Tickets Fans are guaranteed the...
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Orioles hosting Birdland Experience Weekend for disability community

Orioles hosting Birdland Experience Weekend for disability community
This weekend, during their final home series of the 2016 season, the Orioles will play host to some very special fans. More than 1,000 members of the disability community will be in attendance during Birdland Experience Weekend, which will be held during games Friday through Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camden Yards. Many of these visitors will be making their first trip to Camden Yards, experiencing an Orioles game in person for the first time. Birdland Experience Weekend caps...
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Manny Machado named 2016 Most Valuable Oriole

Manny Machado named 2016 Most Valuable Oriole
The Orioles today announced that Manny Machado has been voted the winner of the 2016 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole Award by members of the local media who cover the team on a regular basis. He will be recognized for his accomplishments in an on-field ceremony prior to Sunday's home finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Machado enters play today batting .300/.350/.546 (181-for-604) with 39 doubles, one triple, 36 home runs, 93 RBI, and 103 runs scored, having already set...
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Opposite dugout: Diamondbacks trying to avoid NL West cellar

Opposite dugout: Diamondbacks trying to avoid NL West cellar
Manager: Chip Hale (2nd season) Record: 64-88 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 2B Jean Segura (.317 with 17 HR, 59 RBIs, 30 SB), 1B Paul Goldschmidt (.298 with 23 HR, 90 RBIs, 27 SB), LF Yasmany Tomas (29 HR, 75 RBIs), 3B Jake Lamb (28 HR, 88 RBIs), LHP Robbie Ray (8-13, 4.66 ERA, 210 Ks) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (3-0 in 2014) Pitching probables: Sept. 23: RHP Shelby Miller vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 24: LHP Robbie Ray vs. LHP Wade Miley, 7:05 p.m., MASN2...
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Orioles announce Fan Appreciation Weekend schedule

Orioles announce Fan Appreciation Weekend schedule
The Orioles today announced plans for Fan Appreciation Weekend, which will be held Friday, September 23, through Sunday, September 25, when the Orioles host the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final three-game series of the 2016 regular season. The weekend will feature exclusive giveaways, fireworks, and other opportunities for fans to have unforgettable experiences at Oriole Park. As a "thank you" to fans for their support throughout the season, the Orioles will surprise the most-spirited fans...
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Opposite dugout: Injuries have cost Marlins in otherwise strong season

Opposite dugout: Injuries have cost Marlins in otherwise strong season
Manager: Don Mattingly (1st season) Record: 74-75 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: C J.T. Realmuto (.312), 3B Martin Prado (.311 with 70 RBIs), LF Christian Yelich (.300 with 19 HR, 90 RBIs), CF Marcell Ozuna (23 HR, 72 RBIs), RF Giancarlo Stanton (25 HR, 71 RBIs), RHP Jose Fernandez (15-8, 2.99 ERA), RHP A.J. Ramos (37 saves, 3.05 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 5-7 Pitching probables: Sept. 19: RHP A.J. Cole vs. LHP Wei-Yin Chen, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 20 : RHP Tanner Roark vs. RHP Jose...
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Orioles make three roster moves

Orioles make three roster moves
The Orioles today announced that they have selected the contract of infielder Trey Mancini from Triple-A Norfolk, reinstated right-hander Darren O'Day from the 15-day disabled list, and placed infielder/outfielder Steve Pearce on the 60-day disabled list with a right flexor mass strain. Mancini, 24, batted .282/.357/.458 (154-for-546) with 26 doubles, five triples, 20 home runs, and 68 RBI over 142 games between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk this season. He was twice named an...
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Orioles announce 2016 award winners for player development and scouting

Orioles announce 2016 award winners for player development and scouting
The Orioles today announced the winners of their player development and scouting awards for 2016, including catcher Chance Sisco as the club's top minor league player and left-hander Donnie Hart as the club's top minor league pitcher. The winners will be honored in an on-field ceremony on Saturday, September 17, before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays, with awards presented by Orioles Director of Minor League Operations Kent Qualls and Director of Scouting Gary Rajsich. Sisco, the Brooks...
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Opposite dugout: Braves are hoping to avoid 100-loss season

Opposite dugout: Braves are hoping to avoid 100-loss season
Manager: Brian Snitker (1st season) Record: 56-90 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: 1B Freddie Freeman (.296/.393/.556 with 30 HR, 78 RBIs, CF Ender Inciarte (.288, 15 SB), RF Nick Markakis (84 RBIs), LF Matt Kemp (31 HR, 99 RBIs), RHP Mike Foltynewicz (8-5, 4.41 ERA), RHP Jim Johnson (15 saves, 3.02 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 2-13 Pitching probables: Sept. 16: RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP John Gant, 7:35 p.m., MASN Sept. 17: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. TBA, 1:05 p.m., FOX Sept. 18: RHP Joe Ross...
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Orioles to host Fall Instructional League in Sarasota

Orioles to host Fall Instructional League in Sarasota
The Baltimore Orioles will host the team's Fall Instructional League at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota with games that are free and open to the public from September 19 through October 11. The Instructional League program focuses on specific individual development while providing additional playing time to accelerate a player's progress through the minor league system. Games are played on the Main Field, with parking available in the East Lot at no charge. Spectators may enter the ballpark...
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Tickets for NLDS games on sale Friday at 10 a.m. for Nationals Insiders

Tickets for NLDS games on sale Friday at 10 a.m. for Nationals Insiders
The Washington Nationals announced today that tickets for potential National League Division Series games at Nationals Park will go on sale for Nationals Insiders on Friday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. (available for purchase online only). Fans can still guarantee access to ALL 2016 Postseason games by becoming a NATS PLUS Member for the 2017 season. By placing a deposit for a 2017 Full or Half Season Plan, fans will have access to purchase full 2016 Postseason strips, as well as access to...
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Nationals renew player development agreements with Auburn Doubledays, Potomac Nationals

Nationals renew player development agreements with Auburn Doubledays, Potomac Nationals
The Washington Nationals renewed their player development contracts through the 2018 season with Single-A Auburn of the New York-Penn League and Single-A Potomac of the Carolina League. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, Nationals Vice President and Senior Advisor to the General Manager Bob Boone, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel Doug Harris and Director of Player Development Mark Scialabba made the joint announcement. ...
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Opposite dugout: Powerful bats, strong arms have kept Red Sox in contention

Opposite dugout: Powerful bats, strong arms have kept Red Sox in contention
Manager: John Farrell (6th season) Record: 80-62 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 2B Dustin Pedroia (.329 with 182 hits), DH David Ortiz (.315 with 32 HR, 110 RBIs), RF Mookie Betts (.314 with 30 HR, 102 RBIs), SS Xander Bogaerts (.299 with 173 hits, 29 doubles), LHP David Price (15-8, 3.87 ERA), RHP Rick Porcello (20-3, 3.1 ERA), RHP Craig Kimbrel (2.78 ERA with 25 saves). Season series vs. Orioles: 6-6 Pitching probables: Sept. 12: LHP Wade Miley vs. LHP David Price, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 Sept....
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