The Nats were pounded 8-1 by the Padres on Sunday afternoon to drop the rubber match. Al & Mark convene after MacKenzie Gore got roughed up in his first start after the All-Star Game.  Gore immediately gave up a 1st inning Grand Slam to Xander Bogaerts and then was pulled in the top of the 3rd.

(10:30) James Wood singled to end an 0 for 20 stretch. Wood has struck out in 40% of his at bats this month and had 5 Ks over the weekend series.

(16:30) Nick Pivetta dominated the Washington offense for the 2nd this summer. Pivetta is having a very good season and his ERA is below 3.00 (2.81).

(19:00) The bullpen ironically had a great afternoon as three pitchers combined for over six scoreless innings.  Jackson Rutledge pitched the most on Sunday as he almost lasted four innings; while striking out a trio of Padres.

(22:10) Yohandy Morales has been hitting well in AAA and the hosts wonder if he will get called up this season. Morales primarily plays 1B and was drafted in the 2023 2nd round.