Mancini homers twice, but Harvey can't finish fifth in 7-4 loss
Mancini homers twice, but Harvey can't finish fifth in 7-4 loss
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Matt Harvey stood on the mound after the final out was recorded in the third inning, a frozen posture he's struck in previous starts while watching a fly ball land in the seats. Except this time he was pausing to congratulate Pat Valaika on a nice defensive play, with the infielder ranging beyond second base to make the backhand stop and long throw. The day was progressing more favorably for Harvey, but the wall that keeps leaving marks appeared in the fifth. He'd be stopped again. He'd make...
Parra, Schwarber, fans bring the thrill back to Nats (updated)
Parra, Schwarber, fans bring the thrill back to Nats (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
For official purposes, the first ballgame played at Nationals Park following the 2019 World Series took place on July 23, 2020, when the defending champions lost to the Yankees in an empty ballpark during the height of a pandemic. And for official purposes, the first ballgame played at Nationals Park in front of fans since the 2019 World Series took place on April 7, 2021, when a socially distanced crowd of 4,801 made as much noise as possible to celebrate a walk-off win over the Braves. But...
O's game blog: The series finale against Toronto
O's game blog: The series finale against Toronto
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After the ninth-inning meltdown on Saturday that led to a 10-7 loss, the Orioles look to bounce back right away as they host Toronto today in the series finale. The Orioles won 7-1 Friday night when their pitchers allowed just four hits. But they gave up six runs and five hits in the ninth yesterday in a 10-7 loss. The Orioles (23-47) have lost nine of the last 10 games. They are 12-22 at home, 6-10 this month and 9-19 versus American League East clubs. The Orioles (6) and Blue Jays (3)...
Why the Nationals brought Parra back now
Why the Nationals brought Parra back now
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Davey Martinez hinted Saturday the move might be coming soon. And sure enough, it came today: The Nationals called up Gerardo Parra and now will ask the popular outfielder to help re-energize the clubhouse and the stands as they try to climb their way back into the National League East race. "Everyone knows how much energy he brings to the clubhouse (and) on the field," Martinez said during his Zoom session prior to today's series finale against the Mets. "He's a good all-around player....
Franco on getting hit: "It shouldn't be like that"
Franco on getting hit: "It shouldn't be like that"
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said today that he hasn't spoken or reached out to Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo since yesterday's heated exchange on the field after Alek Manoah appeared to be aiming at third baseman Maikel Franco in the fourth inning and benches and bullpens emptied. Manoah nailed Franco on the shoulder with a 93.8 mph sinker after surrendering back-to-back home runs to Ryan Mountcastle and DJ Stewart in the fourth inning. The Orioles hit six home runs on the day. Franco...
Game 69 lineups: Nats vs. Mets (Parra called up)
Game 69 lineups: Nats vs. Mets (Parra called up)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
If, one week ago, you were told the Nationals today would have a chance to take three of four from the Mets and seven of eight overall, how ecstatic would you have been? Presumably, very ecstatic. Given all that has happened with this team, you couldn't really ask for a better scenario entering today's series finale at Nationals Park. In order to take full advantage of this opportunity, the Nationals need Patrick Corbin to pick up where he left off Tuesday night, when he held the Pirates to...
Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Matt Harvey gets another chance this afternoon to reverse an extended skid while closing out the series against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards. Harvey is 3-8 with a 7.76 ERA and 1.724 WHIP in 14 starts over 58 innings. He's failed to complete the fourth inning in four consecutive outings. Since the four unearned runs on May 7, Harvey has been charged with 36 earned on 45 hits in 23 innings. None of his last eight starts have gone past 4 2/3 innings. In his only career start against the Blue...
Nationals select the contract of Gerardo Parra
Nationals select the contract of Gerardo Parra
Doug Miller
Nationals
The Washington Nationals selected the contract of outfielder Gerardo Parra on Sunday and optioned infielder Luis García to Triple-A Rochester following Saturday night's game. Additionally, the Nationals designated left-handed pitcher Ben Braymer for assignment. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Parra, 34, joins the Nationals after hitting .219 with three doubles, one triple, one homer, 12 RBI, 19 walks and 10 runs scored in 21...
Even though a lot went right, O's have to regroup after loss
Even though a lot went right, O's have to regroup after loss
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles hit six home runs, three by Ryan Mountcastle and two by Cedric Mullins. DJ Stewart added another to give them six hit by homegrown players. They got a quality start for the first time since May 31, ending a run of 15 games without one. They led by four runs after the sixth and seventh innings. They led by three in the ninth and pitched two of their best relievers. It didn't work. They didn't win. The Orioles were a strike away from winning back-to-back games twice, but Toronto...
Old pals Lester and Schwarber team up in 6-2 win (updated)
Old pals Lester and Schwarber team up in 6-2 win (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
They are inextricably linked, primarily from their time together on the North Side of Chicago, but now without question for their time together on South Capitol Street. There's a long way to go before Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester make the kind of memories for the Nationals they made for six seasons together with the Cubs. But they're sure trying their best to help each other out right now, never moreso than they did tonight during a 6-2 victory over the Mets. Starting the second game of a...