Another rough one for the Rafters, who watched a 6-0 lead disappear before falling 11-10 in 10 innings.
Washington had three players in the game, and Kevin Bazzell did plenty to keep Salt River in it. The catcher doubled, homered and drove in three runs, finishing 3-for-10 while throwing out baserunners behind the plate. He also was charged with his fourth passed ball.
Teo Banks chipped in from right field, going 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI on a sacrifice fly. He also struck out twice.
Noah Dean’s outing was shorter and less tidy. He walked three of the six batters he faced over an inning and a third, and he was charged with two runs - both of which were allowed by the pitcher who followed him.
Salt River, now 12-12, heads to Scottsdale tonight for a game against the 12-11 Scorpions and will not be back home until next Tuesday.
Washington also made a batch of roster moves dated Monday but not announced until yesterday morning. The club outrighted and elected free agency on left-handers Ken Waldichuk, Richard Lovelady and PJ Poulin.
The Nationals also claimed left-hander Mitchell Parker off waivers from Atlanta and right-hander Paxton Schultz off waivers from Cincinnati.
In addition, shortstop Kevin Made and right-hander Sam Broderson became minor league free agents.
That’s just the start of what is usually a longer list, though the note here is that by this point there are often a few re-signings of OG’s and 4A’s. The rest, as the source put it, is left to those smarter than me about this.
In Other News...
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Bostons season unraveled early, leading to a managerial change and a long stretch of frustration on offense, with injuries and underperformance from key players adding to the problem. Abrams would fit the kind of upgrade the Red Sox are clearly seeking, which is why this developing free-agent discussion matters beyond just one market. For Washington, it is another reminder that a young, prominent piece can quickly become part of a much bigger winter conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Nationals Bullpen Churn Raises Another Question Fans Know Too Well
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Kents numbers with the Nationals never gave the front office much reason to hold on, as he posted a 5.68 ERA in 12 2/3 innings and had similar trouble at Triple-A Rochester. For a bullpen that has been in constant flux, it is another reminder that Washington is still searching for reliable depth, and still trying to sort out which arms can stick. [Read more 🡒]
Nationals Winter Could Define Which Young Core Pieces Really Matter
The Nationals winter could end up being as revealing as anything they do on the field, with president of baseball operations Paul Toboni expected to explore extensions for two of the clubs most important young pieces. James Wood and CJ Abrams sit at the center of Washingtons next phase, and any effort to lock them in would say plenty about how the organization views its long-term core after already extending Cade Cavalli.
At the same time, the front office is not operating with blinders on. Washington is also open to hearing trade inquiries as it continues to shape its rebuild, which means this offseason could bring both commitment and turnover in the same breath. The real question is which young players the Nationals decide are foundational, and which ones become part of the ongoing search for the right mix. [Read more 🡒]