Martinez on Harper's homer, Roark on fixing his delivery

Martinez on Harper's homer, Roark on fixing his delivery
MILWAUKEE - Bryce Harper returned from his stomach bug to launch a three-run shot over the right field fence that got out of Miller Park in a hurry in the Nationals' 7-3 win over the Brewers on Wednesday. Manager Davey Martinez was impressed with the blast. "He's actually been pretty good," Martinez said. "He's working some good at-bats. To see him hit that ball, especially on a line, was awesome. Hopefully, he can continue swinging the bat like that. For him, it's just getting balls in...
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Roark baffles Brewers with commanding sinker in 7-3 win

Roark baffles Brewers with commanding sinker in 7-3 win
MILWAUKEE - Nationals starter Tanner Roark has worked diligently the past two weeks to retool his mechanics on his sinking fastball. When Roark's sinker is on, every other pitch is better. He calls it his "bread and butter" pitch. When Roark can use and command the two-seam and four-seam fastballs in heavy doses, the opponent has little chance to guess at when he will go off-speed. It is an advantage that made Roark lethal in 2016 to the tune of 16 wins, and an advantage Roark has been...
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Kintzler helps Roark rediscover confidence in his sinker

Kintzler helps Roark rediscover confidence in his sinker
MILWAUKEE - Right-hander Tanner Roark was at his wit's end. He wasn't getting outs like he used to. Losses were piling up. So Roark went back to video of his 2016 campaign. That was the season he posted a career-high 16 wins and a 2.83 ERA. He made a slight tweak to his mechanics. But results still did not turn his way. Roark kept studying. He came to the realization that he had strayed away from what made him effective: his sinking fastball. He was not finishing well on this pitch. "For me,...
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Nats unable to hold early 4-0 lead, fall 5-4 in 10 innings at Milwaukee

Nats unable to hold early 4-0 lead, fall 5-4 in 10 innings at Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE - The Nationals raced out to a 4-0 lead early, but the Brewers chipped away, and eventually walked off with a 5-4, 10-inning shocker at Miller Park, to win the series. Tyler Saladino's bases-loaded sacrifice fly to left-center field off of left-hander Matt Grace (0-1) in the tenth scored Lorenzo Cain from third base. Juan Soto's throw was strong but curled back up the line for catcher Spencer Kieboom. Cain scored standing up before Kieboom could apply the tag. It was the Brewers'...
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Martinez on Turner benching and Harper's sickness

Martinez on Turner benching and Harper's sickness
MILWAUKEE - Manager Davey Martinez planned to speak to shortstop Trea Turner during pregame Tuesday as the Nationals prepare for the Brewers. Martinez decided to bench Turner for tonight's game after the shortstop didn't run to first base on a bunt attempt in Monday's 6-1 loss. "I haven't talked to him yet but (the) conversation will be had," Martinez said. "Honestly, I really felt after yesterday he really needed a day off. He's available, but let him ponder about it and let's get him...
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Game 100 lineups: Nats at Brewers (updated)

Game 100 lineups: Nats at Brewers (updated)
MILWAUKEE - Surprising a bit to realize that tonight the Nationals will play in their 100th game of the season, and with a win they would get back to .500 at 50-50. One of their more pleasant surprises this season has been the pitching by starter Jeremy Hellickson (4-1, 3.29 ERA). His consistency has been a key component for the Nats as they attempt to get all of their starters back in sync. Hellickson has allowed only one earned run in his last two starts, a span of 11 innings. Opposing...
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Little mistakes not allowing Nats to get on a roll again

Little mistakes not allowing Nats to get on a roll again
MILWAUKEE - This has happened to the Nationals a few times this season. After an emotional win, they follow a good game with a dud. On Sunday, the Nats endured two rain delays and still were able to score runs on multiple occasions in a 6-2 win over Atlanta. They pounded out 15 hits, tallied in four separate innings and left 12 men on base. On Monday, the Nats were befuddled by Brewers starter Jhoulys Chacín, held to one run on five hits, scoring only once on Daniel Murphy's second homer of...
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Murphy goes yard in support of Gonzalez (Nats fall 6-1)

Murphy goes yard in support of Gonzalez (Nats fall 6-1)
MILWAUKEE - If there ever was a swing that reminded fans of the Daniel Murphy of 2017, it was his line drive solo homer to right field on an 0-1 offering from Brewers starter Jhoulys Chacin to lead off the second inning. It was Murphy's second homer of the season, but demonstrated that Murphy may indeed have found that consistent swing that lifted the Nationals offense last season. Later in the inning, Trea Turner was called out on strikes on a pitch that appeared low in the zone. Turner...
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Opposite dugout: Playoff-minded Brewers want to be buyers at deadline

Opposite dugout: Playoff-minded Brewers want to be buyers at deadline
Manager: Craig Counsell (4th year) Record: 56-45 Last 10 games: 2-8 Who to watch: LF Christian Yelich (.303 with 12 HR, 47 RBIs), 1B Jesús Aguilar (.293 with 25 HR, 71 RBIs), CF Lorenzo Cain (.293/.391/.421 with 18 SB), RHP Jhoulys Chacin (8-3, 3.68 ERA), LHP Josh Hader (1.44 ERA, 93 Ks), RHP Corey Knebel (12 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (4-3 in 2017) Pitching probables: July 23: LHP Gio Gonzalez (6-6) vs. RHP Jhoulys Chacin (8-3), 8:10 p.m., MASN2 July 24: RHP Jeremy...
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Brewers look to compete with Cubs in NL Central and return to postseason

Brewers look to compete with Cubs in NL Central and return to postseason
The Cubs have a revamped rotation to go with a lineup that features Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, two hitters that are potential National League MVP candidates. Their biggest competition in the NL Central could be the Brewers, who had 86 victories last season and have a legitimate shot to make the postseason for the first time since 2011. But the Cardinals, who had 100, 86 and 83 wins in each of the last three seasons, are trying to avoid being left out of the postseason for the third...
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Opposite dugout: Brewers still smelling playoffs

Opposite dugout: Brewers still smelling playoffs
Manager: Craig Counsell (3rd season) Record: 69-64 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 3B Travis Shaw (83 RBIs, 27 HR), CF Keon Broxton (20 HR, 19 SB), 1B Eric Thames (28 HR), RF Domingo Santana (22 HR, 66 RBIs), RHP Zach Davies (15-7, 3.91 ERA), RHP Corey Knebel (30 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 1-2 Pitching probables: Aug. 31: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP Zach Davies, 8:10 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 1: RHP Tanner Roark vs. RHP Jimmy Nelson, 8:10 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 2: RHP Erick Fedde vs. RHP Brandon...
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Harper knew Davies was good from his childhood days

Harper knew Davies was good from his childhood days
Offensively, it just wasn't the Nationals' night in an 8-0 setback to the visiting Brewers. The Nats went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and managed only five hits. They left eight men on base. Only one of their three doubles came with a runner on base. Bryce Harper's double with two outs and Stephen Drew on first in the eighth was their best chance to put multiple runs on the board. A Ryan Zimmerman grounder ended that threat. Drew reached second base in the first and Anthony...
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Opposite dugout: Brewers aim to regain form after letting Cubs catch up

Opposite dugout: Brewers aim to regain form after letting Cubs catch up
Manager: Craig Counsell (3rd season) Record: 53-48 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: C Manny Piña (.294), 1B Eric Thames (23 HR), 3B Travis Shaw (70 RBIs, 22 HR, 24 doubles), 2B Jonathan Villar (19 SB), LF Ryan Braun (.272/.356/.562), RHP Corey Knebel (1.75 ERA, 17 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (4-2 in 2016) Pitching probables: July 25: RHP Edwin Jackson vs. RHP Zach Davies, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 July 26: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP Jimmy Nelson, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 27: RHP Max...
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Opposite dugout: Power surge has Brewers sitting atop NL Central

Opposite dugout: Power surge has Brewers sitting atop NL Central
Manager: Craig Counsell (3rd season) Record: 44-40 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: 1B Eric Thames (.243 with 21 HR, 41 RBIs); 3B Travis Shaw (.291 with 17 HR, 59 RBIs); SS Orlando Arcia (.288 with 8 HR, 27 RBIs); RHP Jimmy Nelson (6-4, 3.43 ERA); RHP Corey Knebel (1.13 ERA, 13 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (2-1 in 2014) Pitching probables: July 3: LHP Wade Miley vs. RHP Brent Suter; 2:10 p.m., MASNJuly 4: RHP Ubaldo Jiménez vs. RHP Jimmy Nelson; 4:10 p.m., MASN2July 5: RHP...
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Looking at closer issues around baseball

Looking at closer issues around baseball
The Nationals lead the National League East despite a bullpen that brings daily turbulence. This week at Nationals Park they will see first-hand that they aren't the only team with late-inning issues. The Nationals' bullpen ERA (5.40) is 29th in baseball. Seattle's bullpen has the highest ERA in the majors at 5.44, while San Diego is 27th at 5.04. The Mariners and Padres play in D.C. this week. Edwin Díaz, and his blazing fastball, was the Mariners closer at the season's start, but he...
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Examining the NL Central as the Cubs look to repeat as world champions

Examining the NL Central as the Cubs look to repeat as world champions
The Chicago Cubs are defending a World Series title for the first time since 1909, and this year, they are one of the best teams in the National League. The favorite to win the NL Central? Without a doubt, it is the Cubs. The Cardinals have the best chance to challenge, but their rotation has questions. The Pirates could surprise, but their pitching is young. And the Reds and Brewers are rebuilding with little chance of a .500 record. For the record, the Cubs won 104 games in 1909 and lost the...
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Can the Cubs rotation help them start a dynasty?

Can the Cubs rotation help them start a dynasty?
The Chicago Cubs, World Series champions for the first time since 1908, are the favorites to win the National League Central. The question is: Could the Cubs - and their youthful position-player roster - be baseball's answer to the NFL's New England Patriots, who won their fifth Super Bowl? The Reds and Brewers are rebuilding. The Pirates have taken a step back. The Cardinals are the only team with a chance to challenge the Cubs. Here's a look at the NL Central: Chicago: The Cubs, defending...
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Baker says Nats were "flat" in 5-2 setback to Brewers

Baker says Nats were "flat" in 5-2 setback to Brewers
On a night where the Nationals would normally celebrate having four players being awarded All-Star invitations, the club came out with a sluggish performance at home in a 5-2 loss to the Brewers. It marked Washington's second straight loss to Milwaukee. The Brewers have won four of their first five games against the Nationals this season. One of the four All-Stars heading to San Diego is second baseman Daniel Murphy. But his late baserunning mistake cost the club a shot at a potential...
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Gio wiggles out of early jam; Rendon delivers (Brewers win 5-2)

Gio wiggles out of early jam; Rendon delivers (Brewers win 5-2)
Now that's how you walk the tightrope. Left-hander Gio Gonzalez allowed a double, a walk and a passed ball in the first inning, but his quick glove ended a big Brewers threat and kept the game scoreless. Aaron Hill doubled and two batters later, with men on second and third, Chris Carter's hot shot line drive back to the mound was stabbed out of the air by Gonzalez to end the inning. In the bottom of the second inning, Daniel Murphy blooped a single to left-center field. Two batters later,...
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Scherzer allows homer, Nats go quietly in 1-0 loss to Brewers

Scherzer allows homer, Nats go quietly in 1-0 loss to Brewers
Right-hander Max Scherzer's trend of of pitching well but allowing at least one homer continued again Monday in his start against the Brewers. Martin Maldonado hit a solo homer to lead off the fifth inning to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead. That was all the Brewers needed in a 1-0 win over the Nationals that snapped their four-game skid. Scherzer (9-6) ended up with the hard luck loss by allowing only one run over six innings on four hits with three walks and seven strikeouts. Scherzer threw 114...
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