Thornton on his key two outs, Den Dekker on pinch-hit, Stammen on Act of Valor Award nomination

Michael A. Taylor hit the dramatic walk-off three-run shot to beat the Braves on Friday night, 5-2 in 10 innings. His former high school teammate at Winchester Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Matt den Dekker, had the RBI single to tie the game with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

"I'm very happy for him, that's a huge hit," Taylor said. "It's tough when you're coming off the bench. He stayed in the game and put together a good at-bat against a good pitcher."

den Dekker discussed how he stayed loose and hoped for the call.

"Just staying ready throughout the game," den Dekker said. "(Bullpen catcher) Sam (Palace) and (batting practice pitcher) Ali (Modami) down in the cage do a great job keeping us ready throwing us BP and going over situations and pitchers coming up. So just staying ready, physically and mentally, just being ready for that spot."

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Left-hander Matt Thornton arrived in the fifth with two men on and one out. The game was tied 1-1. He had to face A.J. Pierzynski and Adonis Garcia.

Manager Matt Williams explained why they pulled Tanner Roark in that situation.

"We know that Tanner's limited," Williams said. "We knew going in that it's gonna be into the bullpen fairly early. It was a good matchups for Thorny there to come and get those outs. He got Pierzynski and then the righty as well. Everybody did a nice job tonight. Good team effort. Guys were intense and grinding all the way. We had opportunities and it didn't happen for us. But eventually we came through."

After going into the game in such a predicament, Thornton explained his mindset.

"Just got to make pitches," Thornton said. "A.J., I knew he would be swinging. Told Loby (Jose Lobaton) what the game plan was and went from there. And then trusted Loby on the young kid and go from there and try to get two outs before anyone scored. Got pretty lucky there and made the pitches when I needed to even though I feel behind on both of them. In that situation it's just try to find a way."

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Nationals right-handed pitcher Craig Stammen has been nominated for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award for his contributions and charitable assistance to the U.S. Navy and military personnel. The award goes to a recipient who best exemplifies the "values, integrity and dedication to serving our country that Hall of Famer Bob feller himself displayed."

Stammen will be my guest on "Nats Xtra" pregame at 6:30 p.m. tonight.