Relief Pitching and Timely Hitting Lead the Nationals to a Win over the Rockies

The Washington Nationals relied on some great relief pitching and timely hits to defeat the visiting Colorado Rockies 7 to 1. The two teams ended up splitting their four-game series.

Washington starting pitcher Jake Irwin had a little trouble in the top of the 1st. He managed to walk the bases loaded, but the defense helped him out and the Rockies failed to score.

The Nationals, however, did score a couple in the bottom of the inning. CJ Abrams and Dyland Crews started it off with back-to-back singles. Daylen Lile later singled to center field, scoring Abrams. Brady House then send Lile home with a sac fly to center field. 2-0 Nats.

The Rockies got one back in the top of the 3rd. Willie Castro was hit by a pitch and advanced to 3rd off walks to TJ Rumfield and Troy Johnston. Brett Sullivan then brought in Castro with an infield single. 2-1 Washington.

In the bottom of the 4th, the first two National’s batters, Jacob Young and Jorbit Vivas, drew walks. After a Dylan Crews ground out moved up both baserunners, CJ Abrams was walked intentionally, loading the bases. Young then scored on a groundout from Dylan Crews. 3-1 Nats.

Washington struck again in the bottom of the 5th, as Daylen Lile led off the inning with his 18th home run to right field. 4-1 good guys.

Irvin ended up throwing 4 1/3 innings for the Nationals, giving up a single run on 3 hits while walking 6 and striking out 6.

Gabriel Hughes managed to last 5 innings for the Rockies. He surrendered 7 hits and 4 runs while walking 4 and striking out 3.

Washington got a few insurance runs in the bottom of the 8th. With 2 outs, Daylen Lile singled to left. Brady House followed with a double to right, scoring Lile. Keibert Ruis followed with a 2-run homer to right field, his 9th. 7-1 Nationals.

And that’s how the game ended.

The Nationals got some good relief pitching in today’s game, with 4 pitchers going 4 2/3 innings surrendering just 2 runs while striking out 4 Rockies.

Orlando Ribalta looked especially sharp in the top of the 9th.

The Rockies’ J.T. Rumfield walked 4 times today. He received a total of 9 free passes over the 4-game series. Colorado also left 11 men on base.

A great overall game for the Nats. Let’s hope that leads to many more.

The Nationals welcome the Marlins to Washington D.C. tomorrow for the first of 4 games. Starting time is 4:45 ET.

Dave’s Dime…Let’s Talk Food

While we’re waiting for the Nationals to get back on track, I’ve been thinking about more uplifting topics to include in this part of my article.

What’s the one topic that would pique the interest of just about everyone and get their mind off the Nationals’ current struggles? Food! What else?

So, let’s spend a little time today exploring the most popular culinary delights, in a bun, available at some of our Major League baseball stadiums. I do love me a good hot dog, so let’s see what we can find.

1. This first concoction is from PNC Park in Pittsburgh. It’s a footlong hot dog topped with pickles, pierogies, caramelized onions, and pot roast. Pot roast? And what the heck are pierogies? Well, pierogies are a type of Eastern European filled dumpling. The fillings range from mashed potatoes to sauerkraut, mushrooms, or berries. I don’t know about this one. Sounds interesting but maybe a little bit too much. A dumpling filled with mashed potatoes? Carb overload alert.

2. The next entry is from Camden Park in Baltimore. It’s called the Chessie and is know as the “best of Maryland on one bun.” A footlong Chesapeake sausage covered in creamy crab dip, with pickled sweet corn, and fried green tomatoes. It’s served on a pretzel bun. I’m not a big seafood guy. I tried sushi once about twenty years ago, and I can still taste it. So, I might only try this one on a dare.

3. Here’s an offering from the Houston Astros called the Daddy Mac Dog. It’s a footlong angus beef frank with chopped brisket, macaroni and cheese, barbecue sauce, and a crispy dill pickle. Now this one sounds doable. Of course, I’d have to run a couple times around the stadium first, so I’d have a huge deficit of calories to replenish.

4. This is an interesting variation on the hot dog from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, especially for games played before noon. It’s filled with breakfast flavors. A footlong dog loaded with crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese slices, white sausage gravy, and a fried egg. I just gained two pounds while typing that sentence. But I’d like to try it!

5. Here’s another one from Pittsburgh. And it’s a humdinger. It’s a footlong beef hot dog covered in macaroni and cheese, and drizzled with salted caramel sauce. It’s then topped with deep-fried pickled jalapenos and caramel-covered popcorn. Is this actually something you’d want to eat? Heck, I’d give it a try. You only live once!

6. Here’s one from Petco Park in San Diego. It’s called the Sonoran Dog. Ingredients include a large roll stuffed with an all-beef hot dog wrapped in bacon. It’s then topped with a choice of pinto beans, grilled onions and peppers, tomatoes, relish, tomatillo salsa, mayo, mustard, ketchup, cheese; everything but the kitchen sink. I’d like this one! I’ll take two.

7. This one is a doozie. It’s coming to us courtesy of Globe Life Field in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers. What are we talking about? The Broomstick…a one-pound hot dog topped with chili meat, sauteed onions, and cheese. Now all of that is stuffed into a tamale. Add some more chili and some nacho cheese. Now you’ve either got a great meal or an ambulance ride.

8. Our next entry is from our home-town Washington Nationals. This classic dog is a family recipe from Ben’s Chili Bowl. It’s a mix of fresh and lean ground beef and some secret spices. The hot dog itself is half smoked pork and half smoked beef. It’s then covered in a rich, saucy chili, onions, and cheddar cheese. It’s known as an “all the way.” All the way to where? Heaven? Or Walgreens to pick up some Rolaids?

9. How about the Arizona Diamondbacks Chicken Enchilada Dog? Listen to this…it’s a whopping 18-inch chicken enchilada sausage on a telera roll covered in queso blanco, enchilada sauce, pico de gallo, black olives, sour cream, and confetti-like tortilla strips. I’d hate to be in a small, enclosed area with someone who just ate one of these…

10. I swear this one is real. It’s from Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Biker Jim’s is the creator of this interesting concoction. It specializes in serving offbeat meat. You may choose from reindeer, wild boar, rattlesnake, or pheasant. Add the usual array of toppings and you’re all set. I’ll take one of each!

So, there you go…now I’m in a better mood…and I hope you are too! Now please excuse me while

I take a big bite out of this reindeer dog…

Have a great weekend,