A few pics to put a cap on a long season for the Nats but one that ended with excitement in anticipation for next year - just the way a season should end. The first 3 pics are from the September 22 loss to the Dodgers (14-2) when Livan Hernandez was hit hard giving up 8 runs in less than 4 innings on the mound. At this point few thought the season would end with 7 consecutive wins and most were hoping that the season would just end. A sweep of the Mets and the Braves to close out 2009 was unimaginable after a 14-2 loss on September 22. Yet, baseball is always a ride on a rolling road and the right roll came to town on September 28 when the Mets stepped off their bus and entered Nats Park. The truth is the Mets had suffered through their own season but their presence for a 3 game series would only add to their suffering and help to encourage the Nats for 2010. The home season ended on September 30 with the Nats completing a 3 game sweep in a fashion reminding fans of what it had been like in early 2005. There were still 4 games remaining but to be played in Atlanta. Atlanta had just been eliminated from the wild card race and the edge was off their game - enough so that the Nats finished the season with a sweep in Atlanta and with a finish to the season sufficient to help fans overlook 103 losses and look forward to 2010. The last 4 pics are from the last home game with the Mets.
Josh Bard pre-game on Sept 22...
Livan Hernandez warming up for the September 22 game (he later wished he'd stayed in bed)...
Steve McCatty, Nats pitching coach (does he see something in Livan's warm up?)...
A bight spot to end 2009 and in anticipation of 2010: Ian Desmond at SS...
John Lannan was the work horse on the mound all year. He didn't win on Sept 30 but pitched well...
The Nats entered the bottom of the 9th trailing the Mets 4-2. The fans had not given up and the noise from the stands for the last home game and for a possible comeback was vintage 2005. The rally produced one run with 2 outs when Adam Dunn walked with the bases loaded scoring Alberto Gonzalez. The bases were still loaded with 2 outs and the score was 4-3. Justin Maxwell came to bat. The hope was for a base hit, maybe another walk, or anything that could score a run and tie the game. Nobody anticipated a "Begonia Ball." Nevertheless, just beyond the reach of the Mets' left fielder, Angel Pagan, and a fan, Maxwell lifted the ball over the left field wall and into the Begonias; a grand slam, a win, and ecstasy for the fans.
How could there be a better way to end the season at home?!!!
For the Nats - ...til next season. For you - ...til later.
No comments:
Post a Comment