Lose tonight, and, if the Natspos just go .500 from here, the Bravos would have to go 28-17 to tie them. Seems unlikely this team could play .622 ball for a month-and-a-half. Win, and DC goes .500, and the mark to tie them would be 26-19. That doesn’t sound easy, but it’s a damn sight more manageable.
Of course, the Natspos will probably do better than break even from here. Any way we look at it, tonight’s crucial because it’s a two-game swing and the Braves have just six more games against the Natspos. Wood’s been solid, and we need another good one tonight. He’s only faced DC four times, but he’s allowed just four earned in 23 innings. His opponent tonight, Gio Gonzalez, has been pedestrian lately — an ERA just over 4 in is past 10 starts — but would love those numbers against the Braves. He’s 2-7 with a 5.31 in 10 starts against our home boys.
If it comes down to the pens, I’m not confident. Walden’s on a roll and there’s Kimbrel. Beyond that, it’s a crap shoot. For the first time in a while, you’d have to say the DC pen is decidedly better. As much as our offense struggles, and with the starting pitching generally sound, too many games will probably come down to the relief corps the rest of the way. I don’t think that bodes well.
But let’s get a win tonight and go from there. CB and I will be in 402, row 2 if anyone’s there and wants to say hello. what do you know? BK ain’t playing:
Bonifacio 8, La Stella 4, Freeman 3, JUpton 7, Heyward 9, Johnson 5, Laird 2, Pena 6, Wood 1.
ROWLAND'S OFFICE 