The Game:

In the second game in a row (that I’ve attended), Soriano lead off the Nationals offensive side of the game by being hit by the first pitch thrown by the opposing pitcher. And for the fourth game in a row, I believe, the Nationals chased the starting pitcher early in the game. This time, a starting pitcher, Matt Morris, who was going for his sixth win in a row (in games in which he factored in the decision).

The Line-ups:

Recap:
Bonds:

Soriano is hit by a pitch to lead off the game (first pitch)

, and moves to third on a Lopez single. Lopez then steals second base. First run scores when Zimmerman, third up, grounds out to short, and Soriano runs home. Johnson would then hit a single, which allowed Lopez to score. Kearns is the second and Anderson is the third out. Inning over, score 2-0 in favor of the Nationals.

Durham leads off the top of the second, and is out. Finley walks, Feliz singles, Aflonzo singles. Bases loaded for the pitcher, he hits it over the wall. Since it bounced first, it is a ground rule double – Finley and Feliz score, Alfonzo to third, Morris to second. Game now tied with two runners in scoring position and just 1 out. Winn will pop out for the second out, Vizquel will be walked to load the bases, and Hillenbrand will strike-out.

Nothing of significance happens in the bottom neither of the second nor in the top of the third.

Soriano flies out to lead off the bottom of the third, and Lopez singles to get on base. Zimmerman walks, Lopez to second. Johnson singles, Lopez scores and Zimmerman moves to second. Score now 3-2 in favor of the Nationals. Kearns walks to load the bases. Anderson singles driving in Zimmerman, Johnson

, and moving Kearns to third. Anderson will end up on second base after a throwing error. Church then doubles, scoring Anderson and Kearns. Starting pitcher Matt Morris is then relieved after 2 1/3 innings by Correia. Correia promptly gets two outs and the inning ends. Score: 7-2. The game will continue to be a struggle, but never again will the game be tied, nor ever will the Nationals fall behind the Giants in this game. The Nationals win their fourth game in a row.

ESPN Box score

Photos from the game (from Diamond Club).

Micah Bowie:

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Vidro

On July 25, 2006, Jose Vidro was placed on the 15 day DL retroactive to July 18. He has strained his left hamstring. Bernie Castro called up from the minors. Castro has not yet played a game in the majors this year. He has appeared in 24 games in his career, 80 AB, with a career average of .288 with 23 hits in those 80 AB, and 3 of those hits were doubles and 1 was a triple. He has scored 14 runs, and driven in 7 runs (RBI). He has 9 walks to 10 strike-outs and 6 stolen bases to 2 caught stealing. An on-base percentage of .360, and a slugging percentage of .350 round out his offensive stats. AAA New Orleans this year: hitting .284 in 69 games (268 AB) with 36 runs, 5 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home-runs, 25 RBI, 18 walks, 34 strike-outs, 22 SB, 2 CS, .329 OBP, .347 SLG, .676 OPS, 7 DP (fielding, not hit into), 56 games at 2B, 13 games in outfield, 7 errors (not broken down by position).

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Tonight:

Lowry (5-6, 4.45 era) vs. Astacio (1-1, 5.75 era)

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Soriano:
Bowden talked to 27 of the other teams on Tuesday about the possibility, if any, that the other team might be willing to accept Soriano onto their team.