The Nats lost their homestand opener 7-5 on Friday night. Mark & Al examine the 7-5 loss to the Padres that put the team back at .500 after two consecutive defeats.

(04:45) Paxton Schultz surprisingly was used as the Opener and his 26 pitch 1st inning set a tone for a pitch inefficient evening on the mound for Washington.

(06:00) Andrew Alvarez only lasted three innings as the Bulk starter. Alvarez gave up a trio of runs off of five hits and two walks were issued.

(09:30) Could Clayton Better be used as an Opener against right-hand heavy lineups?

(11:20) Mitchell Parker gave up the 7th inning homer to Jackson Merrill that put the Padres up for good in the 7th.  Blake Butera had interesting comments on the lefty afterwards as he allowed three runs in only two innings on the mound. Parker's ERA has risen to 5.28 through 13 appearances.

(18:00) Curtis Mead & Keibert Ruiz each homered in the loss.

(22:30) Luis Garcia Jr. flew out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th.  Garcia was facing Mason Miller, who might be the best reliever in all of MLB right now.

(29:30) The Padres have a coaching staff that knows their way around Navy Yard. Craig Stammen, former Nats reliever, is the new San Diego manager and his staff includes Bobby Henley, Randy Knorr, and Steven Sousa Jr. 

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