Clippard, Capps and Nieves clutch in comeback vs. Rox

Tyler Clippard did it again for the Nats, now 3-0 with the win Wednesday night as the Nationals outscored the Rockies 6-1 after trailing 3-0 middle 3rd. Clippard threw two innings, allowing no runs, 1 hit, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts. Tyler had 4 wins all of last year and notched that final victory on October 1st. It is just April 21st and already Tyler has 3 of the Nats 8 wins. His biggest out was getting Carlos Gonzalez on a strikeout with a man on in the top of the 8th. Gonzalez was 4-4 heading into that at bat and the game was hanging in the balance. "My whole career I have always been successful against lefties and righties. I have a good changeup and I am able to throw some pitches that run in on their hands at times so it keeps them off balance which is what you got to do to pitch." Clippard and Matt Capps struck out 5 of the final 8 batters they faced including Capps striking out the side in the 9th, wrapped around a base hit and a walk. Clippard says Capps' 7 saves and closing ability cannot be overlooked. "Cappy has been doing his thing. We are lucky to have him as a closer right now. He is everything that we thought he was going to be and more. I am trying to get in his head and get as much knowledge as I can right now. I know he has been doing it for awhile." ----------------- Wil Nieves clutch RBI double in the 8th inning to plate the go ahead run after the Rockies walked Adam Kennedy in hopes of inducing a double play proved to be the game changing moment. Nieves reach base three times with two hits and an RBI. "It is huge. My number one job is catching and calling good games and winning games. But whenever you can do it with the bat and help the team that is good. I love to hit. I love to catch and win games and call good games but when I have the bat I want to help the team It always feels good when you can do both. Today was one of those days. I can't ask for anything better." ------------------- Nats starter Jason Marquis placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 19th, with loose bodies in his right elbow. General Manager Mike Rizzo says a Triple-A pitcher would be called up to take Marquis' spot in the rotation and it would be a guy who was on 5 days rest. J.D. Martin or Luis Atilano would most likely get the call. Both are on the 40-man roster. It is Atilano's turn, but either would be an easy choice. If Atilano is called up, he would make his major league debut Saturday versus the L.A. Dodgers. J.D. has more major league experience, obviously, thanks to his long stint here with the club last season. J.D. went 5-4 with a 4.44 ERA in 15 starts last season here in D.C., and of course has that killer 12-6 curve ball. Martin has done well in Syracuse, going 5 innings in his last start and was lifted for a pinch hitter by Trent Jewett because the Chiefs were threatening with 2 men on and 2 out of a close game. ------------------ Earth Day celebration is set for Thursday's afternoon finale against the Colorado Rockies. Olympic Gold medalist Billy Demong will be on hand to take part in pre-game cermonies. There are a couple of ticket promotions for fans to take part in the Nats celebrations fo Earth Day. Bring your Metro farecard or SmarTrip card to the Nationals box office and receive $3 off any ticket priced $10 or more. Limit 1 ticket per Metro fare card. Fans who bring a recyclable container (plastic, glass, aluminum) will receive a ticket voucher courtesy of Coca-Cola (printed on recycled paper) for 50% off select tickets for that game or any Monday through Thursday home game in May or June. Head out to CF gate at the end of the 3rd inning to claim your ticket voucher. Gates open at 2pm Thursday, pregame ceremonies at 420pm and 1st pitch at 435pm.