Washington Nationals Losing Their Cool Will Cost Them With Playoff Elimination
By Dave Daniels
@AllDave_AllDay
Getty Images
In the longest time-wise postseason game of baseball history, the Washington Nationals could not pull out a win. It was a nail-biter all the way, and in all honesty, it was a little excruciating to watch. It went 18 innings and over six hours at Nationals Park, which caused a lot of fans to pack it in early.
They are probably glad that they did. San Francisco Giants slugger Brandon Belt mercifully belted a homer in the 18th inning, which ultimately made the difference in a 2-1 victory.
Manager Matt Williams and second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera were both ejected from the game in the 10th inning, and it was long overdue, as the Nationals were lucky Bryce Harper remained in the game after losing his cool earlier. Cabrera violently threw both his bat and helmet to the dirt after arguing a called strike.
This could ultimately be the reason why the Nats get eliminated from the playoffs. They are now only one loss away from elimination, and it is mostly because they have not been able to keep their composure under pressure.
Many pundits picked them to win the World Series, but I do not see that happening anymore. They will be lucky to advance past the Giants, and it would be a miracle if they are able to find their way to the Big Dance. The embarrassment that will follow this team would be unshakeable if they lose in Game 3. Let’s just hope Williams and company are able to maintain a little bit more composure on their next go-round in postseason play.
Dave Daniels is a Prep Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter: @AllDave_AllDay, like him on Facebook here or add him to your network on Google.
Colorado Rockies: 5 Players That Could Be Traded
The Colorado Rockies need to re-tool to have any hope of becoming a playoff contender. On that note, here are five players they should still be looking to trade. Read More
Zobrist, Escobar Trade Makes A's Contenders
The Oakland Athletics continue to make a splash in the offseason by trading for Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays. Read More
5 Players The Braves Should Trade For
The Atlanta Braves have a lot more moves to make before the start of the season. Take a look at these players the Braves should consider trading for. Read More
Tigers Need A Break Out Season From Shane Greene
With multiple uncertainties in the starting rotation, it would be huge if the Detroit Tigers could get a breakout season out of newcomer Shane Greene. Read More
Tampa Bay Rays: 5 Players They Could Still Trade
With the Tampa Bay Rays heading into a transitional season, here are five players they should still look to trade. Read More
Assessing the SF Giants' 2015 25-Man Roster
The San Francisco Giants aren't as dangerous on paper as they were a season ago. Read More
Going Home To Blue Jays May Be What Axford Needs
It has been a long time since John Axford has been great. With a need for bullpen help, the Toronto Blue Jays should take a chance on him. Read More
Shields Would Be Best Ace Add For Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in adding an ace, and signing James Shields would be the best way for them to do so. Read More
Power Ranking NL Central Starting Catchers
The NL Central boasts the best catchers in all of baseball. Here is how they rank heading into the 2015 season. Read More
Tigers' Alex Avila Will Benefit From Platoon Role
Here is why Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila may benefit immensely from a strict platoon with James McCann in 2015. Read More
Former Players Could Haunt Royals In 2015
The Kansas City Royals made significant moves at the end of 2014, but the Chicago White Sox changed their team in a much bigger way. The Royals will now see far more of two well-liked former players. Read More
Randy Johnson's HOF Journey No Tall Tale
Will he be a Seattle Mariner or an Arizona Diamondback in the Hall of Fame? Either way, Randy Johnson's legacy will be remembered in Seattle long before it is forgotten. Read More