Hand coughs up lead in ninth, Nats are swept by O's (updated)

Hand coughs up lead in ninth, Nats are swept by O's (updated)
Caught in a bad riddle with no easy answer, the Nationals can't seem to decide whether they're struggling more to keep opposing hitters at bay or whether their sagging offense is putting additional unnecessary pressure on a pitching staff that's been stretched thin. Actually both are intertwined, and one swing of Ryan Zimmerman's bat almost proved enough to save the Nats from a sweep and momentarily end the debate and halt a three-game skid. Zimmerman hit a go-ahead three-run homer and...

Game 55 lineups: Nationals at Reds

Game 55 lineups: Nationals at Reds
CINCINNATI - The Nationals arrive in Cincinnati off to another fast start on a long road trip. Last month, the Nationals started a 10-game road trip 5-1 through St. Louis and Kansas City. This time, they swept the Phillies. As they arrive at Great American Ball Park, they stand 3-0 at the beginning of a nine-game, three-city, 11-game road trip. The club made one change to the roster for the weekend. Nats No. 2 prospect infielder Trea Turner has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse because Ryan...