Another 9th Inning Bullpen Implosion

The Nats led Miami 2-0 entering the top of the 9th on Sunday, but then the bullpen feel flat on its face. Mark & Al hold a lengthy discussion about the 'pen as it blew its 37th save of the season in the 6-2 defeat. This team amazingly has blown more saves (37) than they have converted saves (35) this season. (05:00) The litany of mistakes included not backing up an errant throw and allowing a way too easy steal of home. (10:00) Max Kranick began the frame, but it was Tom Cosgrove had the nightmare frame. Listen to how accountable Cosgrove was in the clubhouse after the loss as he ran through all the mental mistakes that he made while on the mound. (20:00) An explanation as to why Orlando Ribalta and some other arms were not available to pitch in the 9th. Cade Cavalli's Saturday start only lasting four innings had an effect on bullpen usage, in addition to the fact that the team has not had an off day in a week and a half. (30:00) Andrew Alvarez's solid outing was erased by the 9th inning collapse on Sunday afternoon. Alvarez did not give up a run in six innings of work as his ERA is at 3.47 in 21 appearances. (32:00) The nature of the loss buried the original lede in that CJ Abrams made his debut at 2B. No ground balls were to hit his way, but he did make a nice snag to end the 6th. (35:00) James Wood homered in his rehab stint on Sunday for AA-Harrisburg. It is expected that he will return to the Nats lineup on either Monday or Tuesday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.