Tough Loss for the Potomac Nationals

Potomac Nationals took on the Winston-Salem Dash last night at Pfitzner Stadium for the first of three games. At first, it seemed as if things were going well for the Nationals throughout the first half of the game. Jimmy Barthmaier pitched five shutout innings while only giving up three hits and striking out two batters.

Barthmaier had great defense behind him as the Nationals turned three double plays in the first six innings. Also, some "Web-Gem" plays were turned in by shortstop Jose Lozada, who made an athletic leaping catch to rob a Dash player of a run; right fielder Nick Moresi, delivered a great diving catch as well.

Potomac National's offense was clicking too, as first basemen Tyler Moore, who had three RBIs (97 to date), scored his 26th home run of the season – claiming the top of Carolina League standings. After six innings, the Nationals led 6-0, but then the wheels started to come off.

The Nationals bullpen surrendered seven singles and a double in the eighth inning as the Winston-Salem Dash took the lead in the game, 9-6. Dash batted around their order, highlighted by shortstop Greg Paiml who led off the inning with a single and also hit a double his next at-bat in the eighth inning.

In all, the game was the largest offensive burst in one inning for the Dash this season, as well as the most runs given up in one inning by the Nationals this season.

The Nationals tried to claw back in the bottom of the inning with a run, but ultimately it wasn't enough. In a bizarre contest, the Nationals lost to the Winston-Salem Dash 9-8, but they will look for some pay back tonight as these two teams face off again.