The Nats lost 7-6 in Pittsburgh, but on Wednesday morning the news became official that GM Mike Rizzo agreed to an extension with the franchise. Mark & Al spend plenty of time dissecting all facets to the news and what it means for the Rebuild. Hear what Rizzo had to say for the next phase, why Davey Martinez's deal got done first, and his commentary about the Lerner's. Is extending Rizzo the right call long-term? (29:00) The Nationals turned an early 7-2 deficit into 7-5 entering the top of the 9th. Keibert Ruiz came through with a RBI infield single, but the game ended with a pair of stranded runners. Dom Smith had a big evening as he homered and doubled and his OPS has snuck up to .701. (32:40) Jackson Rutledge pitched poorly in his MLB debut as he gave up 10 hits and 7 runs in 3.2 IP. Rutledge was drafted in the 1st Round back in 2019 and has spent part of this year in Harrisburg and Rochester.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rizzo Officially Agrees to Extension

A Washington Nationals podcast offering recap and analysis after every game, plus all the breaking news throughout the year. Hosted by Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com & Al Galdi, host of "The Al Galdi Podcast". For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Shovers at natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

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The Nats defeated the Marlins 3-1 on Sunday afternoon to complete a three game sweep and move to 7-0 this season vs. their divisional foe. Al & Mark have another dominant outing from a young pitcher to dissect as Mitchell Parker only allowed one run in six innings of work. So far during this solid stretch of pitching, Parker's biggest issue seems to be fielding as he misplayed an infield hit that led to Miami's lone run. (10:30) Who has the biggest upside between Jake Irvin, DJ Herz, and Parker? The organization is in a rare position right now of quality starting pitching that came from within the organization. (20:00) The bullpen also was in control all weekend and Kyle Finnegan tossed a scoreless top of the 9th for his 20th save of the season. (23:00) Lane Thomas homered every game during the sweep and Jacob Young joined the party on Sunday as he clubbed his first career HR. However, it was another game with multiple outs made on the bases by Washington. (37:00) Jim Callis, Senior writer for MLB.com, gives a few names the Nationals might consider in next month's draft.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parker Stymies Miami in a Sweep

The Nats blanked the Marlins 4-0 on Saturday afternoon for their seventh win in the past eight games. Mark & Al dive into DJ Herz, who in his third ever MLB start, had one of the best pitching performances in franchise history. The lefty lasted six innings, fanned 13 hitters, issued zero walks, and only allowed one hit in is first career victory. (07:00) Washington has had four young pitchers perform well at the Major League level this season in Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, MacKenzie Gore, and now DJ Herz. Al points out how important this is in terms of the rebuild. (18:00) Jesse Winker left the game early after hurting his right knee and will get a MRI. It is likely that his roster replacement will be Harold Ramirez, recently claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay. (26:00) Joey Meneses and Lane Thomas each homered on Saturday. The Nationals is 11-8 since Thomas returned to the lineup and the conversation leads to seeing just how valuable he is to the team. (37:00) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives an update from AAA.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Herz Strikes Out 13 Marlins in Shutout Win

The Nats routed the last place Marlins 8-1 on Friday evening in D.C. Al is solo behind the mic and gives a detailed analysis of what happened in the dugout between Nick Senzel and MacKenzie Gore. It did not escalate to the same level as Jonathan Papelbon/ Bryce Harper, but was reminiscent of the 2015 incident. (09:30) Gore dominated Miami as he struck out ten batters. Gore was able to complete seven innings on 103 pitches as he earned his sixth victory of the season. (12:30) The Nationals scored seven runs in the bottom of the 3rd just one inning after the dugout fracas. Washington had eight hits in their big inning including a 3 run HR by Lane Thomas and a pair of hits by CJ Abrams. (19:30) DJ Herz will stat vs. the Marlins on Saturday afternoon for his third career MLB start. Herz is auditioning to stay in the rotation ahead of Patrick Corbin. (25:00) An update from Terry Byrom, the Voice of the AA-Harrisburg Senators.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gore Spins a Gem Amid Flared Tempers

The Nats lost 7-2 in Detroit on Thursday afternoon to end their five game winning streak. Mark (From Comerica Park) & Al begin with the faltering bullpen as they allowed five runs in the bottom of the 7th. Derek Law and Robert Garcia combined to give up six runs while recording just four outs. (12:00) Patrick Corbin had a no decision and was only charged with one run in just over five innings of work. This leads to a discussion on the rehab for both Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli. Gray is taking the mound on Friday for AA-Harrisburg and Cavalli is currently on pause. (17:00) The Nationals tied a franchise record with six sacrifice flies in a three game series. Ildemaro Vargas on Thursday had two of them, which were the only runs that the team scored in defeat. (24:00) Lane Thomas was ejected in the middle of an at-bat and it seems like Thomas got a raw deal from the home plate umpire. (30:00) All three Washington starting pitchers this weekend vs. Miami will be lefties.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Win Streak Snapped at Five

The Nats beat the Tigers 7-5 on Wednesday evening for their fifth win in a row, their longest win streak in three years. Washington is currently just one game back in a crowded NL wildcard race. Mark (From Detroit) & Al examine another solid outing by Jake Irvin as he only allowed one run in six innings of work. (08:00) A hat tip to Keibert Ruiz for being part of the success of the pitching staff so far this season while serving as catcher. (16:00) CJ Abrams doubled and homered in the victory. His OPS for the month of June is at .882, much higher than what he had in May (.520). (19:00) Jesse Winker reached base four times and currently has the 11th highest on base percentage in all of baseball for this season. (26:00) The Nationals tallied their 100th stolen base of the season as a team on Tuesday. Jacob Young currently leads the squad with 17 stolen bases and five players have reached double figures already. (30:00) Joey Meneses started at 1B after Joey Gallo was moved to the IL. Trey Lipscomb was the player called up from AAA-Rochester to take Gallo's spot. This is Lipscomb's third stint at the majors this year and Al discusses why he hopes that he stays at this level for the rest of the season.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rizzo Officially Agrees to Extension

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