The struggles of the Washington Nationals bullpen became a weakness during Wednesday's loss as manager Blake Butera talks about losing the series
The Washington Nationals were an out away from staying above .500 before the Phillies’ late-game heroics sent Wednesday’s game into extras, then a walk off single in the bottom of the tenth inning cemented the first series loss of the season. It came one day after the Nationals nearly tied the game in the top of the ninth with a James Wood liner into deep left field, marking a frustrating pair of results after an encouraging start to the Blake Butera era.
“They're pretty upset right now - which you like to see. These guys are competitive. They want to win. You can hear how quiet it is in the clubhouse right now,” Butera said following the loss.
Cade Cavalli posted another encouraging start with three strikeouts and one earned run in six innings, leaving the game with the Nationals ahead before CJ Abrams added a three-run home run the next inning for insurance.
That’s what leaves the cause for concern heading into Friday's home opener: the bullpen.
It wasn't a new concern giving the overall pitching staff was a question mark, especially after the MacKenzie Gore trade, but Wednesday's loss magnified that early season weakness. Six different pitchers took the mound after Cavalli’s exit as they allowed four earned runs and seven hits in 78 pitches. Andre Granillo gave up a solo shot in his first at bat of the game, while Cionel Perez did the same in his second after Bryce Harper’s solo shot made it a 5-3 game. The ninth inning meltdown may have been most frustrating with Butera pointing to Clayton Beeter, PJ Poulin then Cole Henry before giving up the game-tying run to send it to extras.
“Those guys pitched their tails off against a really good lineup, held them in check up until those last couple innings. Cade [Cavalli] threw the ball great,” Butera said.
Butera also noted that if there was one thing to point to, it's getting ahead of hitters, pointing to PJ Poulin walking Kyle Schwarber to put the Phillies in position to take the game late.
“Just wish we got a little bit ahead of [Kyle Schwarber] there. I'm sure if you asked PJ [Poulin], that's probably what he wishes he'd get back. But [at] the day, he's keep getting the ball. Like we trust PJ there. It was the right matchup. And I know he's frustrated right now, but he's out there working his tail off and just didn't go our way.”
The Nationals will now look to reset on their early season off day on Thursday before hosting “a good Dodgers team” for the home opener on Friday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:05 PM.