Nats rally to win 4-3 on Young 3-run homer OR Astros a no-go

This game was a lovely homecoming for the Nats, who played their first home game since the All-Star break and coming off of a disappointing 3-game series in Florida. The Nats scored first, on a sacrifice in the 4th by Ryan Church to send Ryan Zimmerman home, but they fell behind 2-1 before rallying in the 6th on Dmitri Young's 3-run homer to take the Houston Astros 4-3.

Starter Mike Bacsik didn't get the win, but he pitched well enough to keep the Nats in the game. He threw 56 strikes on 85 pitches (66%) in his 5.2 innings of work, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits, striking out 2 and walking 1. The bullpen of Saul Rivera (who DID get the win), Jon Rauch and Chad Cordero was effective, with Rivera allowing 1 hit and no runs, and Rauch allowing 2 hits and 1 run (a homerun), and Cordero no hits. Chad Cordero, it should be noted, was ESPECIALLY effective in picking up his 16th save of the year, retiring 3 consecutive batters on 11 pitches (10 strikes!), his most impressive inning of the entire season. THAT'S the Chad Cordero who thrilled us in his All-Star year of 2005 when he had 47 saves, the one that fans hope to see every time in the 9th inning, especially in save situations. Since coming off of the berevement list, he's been getting better and better, having blown 1 save, but working to improve and I hope that he is finally where he needs to be in his mind to be exceptional at his job.

Ryan Report: Church 0 for 3 with an R.B.I., Zimmerman 2 for 4, Langerhans did not hit, and Austin Ryan Kearns went 1 for 3. Zimmerman also got off probably the best bunt of the season so far, catching Astro's 3B Morgan Ensberg off-guard as it rolled towards him, and easily beat out the throw to first. That bunt got him on base and became part of the Dmitri Young 3-run homer.

Ronnie Belliard went 1 for 4, and Dmitri Young had the impressive 3-run homer, on a hanging breaking ball, to put the Nats ahead for the win, going 2 for 3, too. Tony Batista had a hit in a pinch-hitting role.

Manny Acta showed some emotion this evening, challenging an umpire on an eyelash-thin tag at 1B when Craig Biggio actually did NOT make it safely to first, ahead of Saul Rivera, as the replays showed, but the umpire missed it. Never seen Manny run out onto the field to challenge a call, it was interesting because it was different. "Eagle-eye Acta", I think is the new moniker that Bob Carpenter wanted to hang on him, and rightfully so.

I was late to the game because I couldn't get off of work early, so I didn't even get to my seat until the middle of the 6th inning. I had to see Ellie upstairs, of course, but I missed Rico - by the time I got into the stadium he was gone for the evening. I did buy a beer from Howard and gave him a cold water in the process, as it was at least 87 degrees and I could see that he needed it.

More beef brisket from Capitol Q. Surprised?

I noticed later on MASN that Debbie Taylor has returned from her maternity leave. Great to see her back.

Hope this is the start of a new winning streak!