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The Washington Nationals left Las Vegas Oakland a lot poorer. The Nats were just 11 outs from victory, but had a blow-up in the 6th inning that turned a 6-1 lead into a 7-6 deficit against the Oakland A’s. All of that turned into a tough luck loss. A game of inches. What could have been. The team got another good start from Trevor Williams who departed in that 6th inning with one-out and two runners on-base. He finished with three earnies on his record.
Today is a new day and the Nats woke up in Los Angeles to play at Dodger Stadium tonight on Jackie Robinson Day. Tonight will be the MLB debut for left-hander Mitchell Parker. We have seen him through the years from his humble beginnings in Fredericksburg.
The Washington Nationals got on top and stayed on top with a wire-to-wire win last night in Oakland. Today, the two teams wrap-up their season in a rubber game matchup, and the final time the Nats will play in the Oakland Coliseum.
After an 11-K performance last night by MacKenzie Gore over his 5.0 scoreless innings and 90-pitches, the bullpen only gave up one-run in the remaining 4.0 innings of work to seal the win. The Nats got 2-hit games from CJ Abrams, Luis Garcia Jr., Riley Adams, and Jacob Young. The team was a poor 2-for-12 in RISP spots last night, and are 2-for-22 in the series. They obviously have to improve, and at least take advantage with productive outs.
Not all great Nats players technically made history as a Washington National. Before the team relocated to America’s capital, their first seeds were sown in the Great White North as the Montreal Expos.
The Expos era was like a time capsule — a moment in history full of challenges, brief successes, and a failed disbanding that eventually led to its purchase by the MLB and subsequent relocation. It also produced some highly-recognized Hall of Famers, including Gary Carter, Tim Raines, and Andre Dawson, names more celebrated than even some of the top-ranked social casinos on casinos.com. The red, white, and blue established its home in Washington, D.C., in 2005, which ended up being quite fitting.
The Nationals finished their first season in 2005 at an exact .500 with an 81-81 record and went on to select their first draft pick, Ryan Zimmerman — one of the greats on this list. With a record of 284 home runs in his career, he’s tied for 184th on the MLB career home run leaders list. But who else on the Nats is considered one of the greatest scorers in history?
(*all statistics are accurate as of January 2024)
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper is a highly acclaimed outfielder, first baseman, and DH (designated hitter) who was signed and played for the Nats between 2012 and 2018. Considered a five-tool player, he absolutely excels on the field and has the career highlights to prove it. Harper currently has 184 career home runs, notably hitting his first grand slam on his 100th home run against the Braves in 2016.
As his time with the Nationals went on, his game only improved, ending his 2018 season and final season with the team with a career-record 130 walks, 34 home runs, and 100 RBIs. He is a seven-time MLB All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and two-time NL Hank Aaron Award winner, among his many other accolades.
Ryan Zimmerman
This list wouldn’t be complete without Mr. National himself, Ryan Zimmerman — the reason why number 11 is retired. Before his retirement, he left behind a legacy of baseball records and established himself as an all-time leader in a variety of stats for the franchise.
His MLB debut was with the Nats in their inaugural season in 2005, and he played his entire career with the team up until October 2021. Zimmerman tops the list of all-time home run leaders for the Washington Nationals, surpassing second-place Vladimir Guerrero by 50 home runs. In his 2009 season, he had a hitting streak of 30 games, tied with the likes of Freddie Freeman and Stan Musial. He also has a unique flair for walk-off home runs, with 11 career walk-off homers, and boasts 1,061 all-time RBIs.
Vladimir Guerrero
Nine-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero needs no introduction. The Dominican Republic native played for the Montreal Expos between 1996 and 2003 and is known for his aggressive batting style. Although Guerrero didn’t even own a real baseball glove until he was 15, it’s clear that he was destined for the game.
With 234 all-time home runs, he remains second on the list of home run leaders for the Nats (Expos). Complementing that record, he boasts a range of single-season records in total bases, home runs, batting average, and more, as well as all-time records in batting at .323 and slugging at .588.
In 2018, he was finally — and deservedly — inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Juan Soto
While Juan Soto had a short tenure with the Nats, his imprint on the franchise is certainly unforgettable. Since his rookie season, it was obvious that Soto was destined for greatness. He entered record books as the youngest player in franchise history to hit a home run and the first teen to homer in a major-league game since his fellow Nats teammate Bryce Harper did so back in 2012.
Soto won a World Series title at just 21 years old, leading the Nationals in the series in four categories: hits, runs scored, walks, and home runs. It was the franchise’s first and only World Series win, making it a true moment of glory in Soto’s career. Time and time again, he’s been considered the most disciplined hitter in baseball, with a league-low of 15.1% of pitches swung outside the strike zone.
Andre Dawson
The Hawk, as he’s affectionately nicknamed, is a Hall of Famer who played with the Expos for 10 years. As an eight-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glove Award winner, and four-time Silver Slugger Award, Dawson’s time with the MLB was nothing short of legendary. Andre Dawson was highly underestimated at first, being pick #250 in the 1975 MLB draft, but eventually hit a total of 225 home runs, putting him third on the all-time Nats list.
Within his 1,443 games with the Montreal Expos, he set plenty of single-season records for RBIs, extra-base hits, and sacrifice flies — which he still holds the record for. He’s even remarkably hit two home runs in the same inning two times, against the Braves and the Cubs in 1978 and 1985, respectively.
Tim Wallach
Tim Wallach was with the Expos for 12 years, between 1980 and 1992. He is fifth on the all-time home run leaders list with 204 home runs and also holds the franchise record for the most RBIs in a game (a total of 8) against San Diego in 1990. Wallach once held team records for most hits and runs batted until Ryan Zimmerman came along and surpassed them both in 2017 and 2018.
As a five-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award winner, and two-time Silver Slugger Award, he’s an enduring player within the Montreal Expos franchise and the MLB. Wallach has accumulated an impressive collection of offensive stats and continued his baseball career as a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins.
The Washington Nationals were down to their final swings in the 9th inning by a score of 1-0, and received a gift from Jesse Winker in the form of a game-tying home run that erased a possible shutout and took away an L from starter Jake Irvin who pitched six brilliant innings, surrendering just one run. Winker had a 4-4 day, and was the clear star for the Nats along with Irvin who notched the first quality start of the season for the Nats.
Unfortunately, the Nats were 0-10 in RISP spots and could not score any other runs in the game. Once again, consistency was lacking in an offense that had numerous opportunities. An early Nats run was reversed on a video review which might be the play of the night. A baserunning mistake in the 10th inning might be circled as the biggest blunder, but the lack of execution with RISP spots really was the difference. That baserunning TOOTBLAN was a mistake by the recent callup, Trey Lipscomb, who was the ghost runner in the 10th inning at second base and was thrown out trying to advance to third base on a hard ground ball to the first baseman that turned into a 3-3-5 double play. The A’s needed a single in the bottom of the 10th inning to score their run, and they got it with one out to walk-it-0ff.
The Washington Nationals went from San Francisco to a short trip across the bay to Oakland. With Oakland’s planned move to Sacramento before landing in Las Vegas, this could be the final series for the Nats in the Oakland Coliseum. The Nats are coming off of a nice series win in San Francisco. They have a chance to get above .500 in this series, and as they say, it all begins with a Nats’ win tonight.
The team made the expected roster move adding Amos Willingham as an extra arm in the bullpen as they decide what to do with a starter that could be needed on Monday or Tuesday unless they decide to pitch a bullpen game. Also, when the team optioned Drew Millas back on Wednesday evening, they found out that Keibert Ruiz is not feeling better from a bout with the flu. Your backup catcher tonight is Ildemaro Vargas.
In one game yesterday, James Wood matched Eddie Rosario‘s hit total for the season, and then Wood beat his home run total in his final at-bat before the rains cut Thursday’s game short in the 8th inning. Wood was a triple shy of a cycle yesterday as he faced Toronto’s No. 1 prospect in lefty Ricky Tiedemann who is also the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball.
We are just a dozen games into this 2024 baseball season, and the early results will shed just a little light on the small sample sizes of what stands out. First off, relying on three starts by Patrick Corbin, five save chances for Kyle Finnegan, and three home runs by CJ Abrams and Joey Gallo are a mixed bag to look at. WAR might be a guide to confirm that Abrams, Gallo, and Jesse Winker are your Top-3 position players, and the surprise of the early season is that Trevor Williams is your best starting pitcher by results.
The Washington Nationals clinched a series win last night by winning the first two games in San Francisco. The Nats will go for the series sweep and a .500 record with Patrick Corbin on the mound. There is some question as to the health of Joey Gallo and Hunter Harvey who were both hit on the wrist yesterday, although the good news is that the X-Rays showed no fractures. Gallo was hit by a pitch, and Harvey by a comebacker on his glove hand. Gallo is in the starting lineup.
The team sent yesterday’s starter, Joan Adon, back to Triple-A as the team can use the day-off tomorrow to wait on going with a fifth starter. In Adon’s place, the team called up catcher Drew Millas.
In the realm of sports betting, enthusiasts often gravitate toward mainstream leagues like football, basketball, and soccer. However, for those seeking a unique and unconventional betting experience, Canada offers a treasure trove of lesser-known sports with a devoted following. From the icy arenas of curling to the fast-paced fields of lacrosse, Canadian sports present exciting opportunities for bettors to explore new avenues and potentially score big wins.
Introduction to lesser-known Canadian sports
Canada boasts a rich tapestry of sports that may not always grab international headlines but hold a special place in the hearts of Canadians:
One such sport is lacrosse, often referred to as Canada’s national summer sport. Originating from Indigenous communities, lacrosse combines elements of skill, speed, and physicality, captivating enthusiasts nationwide.
From the icy arenas of curling to the fast-paced fields of lacrosse, best betting sites on Malta present exciting opportunities for bettors to explore new avenues and potentially score big wins.
Similarly, cricket has gained a foothold in Canada, particularly among immigrant communities, fostering a diverse sporting landscape reflective of the country’s multicultural fabric.
Additionally, rugby holds a niche but dedicated following, with both union and league variations attracting players and fans alike.
The rugged terrain and harsh winters of Canada have also nurtured the growth of snowboarding and skiing, offering adrenaline-fueled thrills amidst breathtaking mountain vistas.
Similarly, the sport of biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, showcases Canada’s affinity for outdoor pursuits and winter sports.
Furthermore, canoeing and kayaking thrive in Canada’s vast network of rivers, lakes, and coastlines, providing opportunities for leisurely paddles or competitive races.
Lastly, Canadian football, distinct from its American counterpart, boasts its own league and traditions, captivating fans with its fast-paced gameplay and passionate rivalries.
These lesser-known Canadian sports not only celebrate the country’s diversity and natural beauty but also offer avenues for community engagement, physical activity, and sporting excellence across all ages and backgrounds.
Exploration of betting options for unconventional sports fans
For unconventional sports fans seeking novel betting options at a $5 minimum deposit casino Canada, exploring alternative sports markets can offer a refreshing and exciting gambling experience. While mainstream sports like football and basketball dominate traditional sportsbooks, niche sports present unique opportunities for bettors to diversify their wagers and potentially uncover hidden gems. Betting on niche or lesser-known sports, such as lacrosse, handball, or table tennis, can provide an edge for astute bettors who have a deep understanding of these sports’ dynamics and nuances. These sports may offer less liquidity compared to mainstream markets, but they can present lucrative opportunities for those willing to conduct thorough research and analysis.
Profiles of athletes and teams in niche Canadian sports
In the world of unconventional sports, athletes and teams often fly under the radar, but their talent and dedication are no less impressive. Take, for example, teams like the Toronto Rock and Calgary Roughnecks in the National Lacrosse League, which showcase the sport’s competitive spirit and athleticism, drawing passionate fan bases across the country.
Another lesser-known Canadian sport is curling, characterized by its strategic gameplay and precise execution. Canadian curling teams, such as Team Brad Gushue and Team Rachel Homan, have achieved international success, winning numerous championships and representing Canada with pride on the global stage.
In the realm of winter sports, skeleton racing stands out as a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping discipline. Athletes like Jon Montgomery, who famously won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, epitomize the dedication and courage required to excel in this high-speed sport, where competitors slide headfirst down icy tracks at speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour.
Moreover, Canadian rugby sevens teams have made significant strides in recent years, with both the men’s and women’s teams achieving success on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit. Teams like Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team have showcased their talent and resilience, consistently competing against the world’s best and inspiring future generations of rugby enthusiasts.
Lastly, Canadian basketball has seen a surge in popularity, fueled by the success of rising stars like RJ Barrett and Jamal Murray in the NBA. While basketball is not traditionally considered a niche sport, its growing presence in Canada, as evidenced by the Toronto Raptors’ historic NBA championship win in 2019, highlights the country’s evolving sports landscape and the potential for further growth and success in the sport.
Tips from bettors specializing in niche Canadian sports
For bettors interested in exploring niche Canadian sports, learning from experienced individuals who specialize in these disciplines can provide valuable insights and strategies for successful wagering. Here are some tips from seasoned bettors who focus on niche Canadian sports:
Research is vital: Take the time to research the rules, gameplay strategies, and recent performance trends specific to the niche sport you’re interested in betting on.
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Understand the odds: Familiarize yourself with the betting odds and how they reflect the likelihood of various outcomes in niche Canadian sports. Look for value bets that offer favourable odds relative to the perceived probability of success.
Track performance metrics: Keep track of relevant performance metrics and statistics for teams, athletes, and critical variables that can influence outcomes in niche sports events.
Utilize specialized betting markets: Explore specialized betting markets tailored to niche Canadian sports, such as player prop bets, game totals, and tournament futures.
Stay disciplined: Maintain discipline in your betting approach by setting realistic goals, managing your bankroll effectively, and avoiding emotional decisions.
Attend live events: Whenever possible, attend live events or watch broadcasts of niche Canadian sports competitions to gain firsthand insights into the dynamics and nuances of the sport.
Network with fellow bettors: Join online forums, social media groups, or local communities dedicated to niche Canadian sports betting to exchange tips, share experiences, and learn from fellow enthusiasts.
In conclusion, while mainstream sports may dominate the headlines, Canada’s lesser-known sports offer a unique and rewarding betting experience for sports enthusiasts. From curling and lacrosse to Canadian football, there’s no shortage of excitement and opportunity in niche Canadian sports betting. By exploring these unconventional sports, profiling athletes and teams, seeking tips from seasoned bettors, and embracing new opportunities, sports enthusiasts can expand their horizons and discover the thrill of betting on Canada’s unique pastimes.
Baseball isn’t just about physical skill. Sure, you need to swing hard and throw fast, but the game’s top players stand out through their smarts. It’s what we call baseball IQ – a deep understanding of the sport that lets you anticipate your opponent’s next move and make winning plays. Let’s break down how you can raise your baseball IQ and outfox your rivals on the diamond.
Ready to step up your game? Here’s how to boost your baseball IQ and outsmart the competition:
Know the Rules Like the Back of Your Hand
Don’t underestimate the power of a solid rules foundation. It’s not just about avoiding embarrassing errors; it’s about unlocking strategic opportunities.
Dive into the official rulebook. Brush up on everything, from the strike zone to balk rules.
Watch closely and ask questions. Pay attention to the umpires’ calls and any unusual situations. If you don’t understand something, ask a coach or experienced player.
Think beyond the obvious. How can you use the rules to your advantage? For example, knowing the infield fly rule can help you make smart defensive plays.
Become a Master of Situational Awareness
Baseball is a constantly shifting game. Staying alert and recognizing in-game patterns is crucial for making quick, intelligent decisions.
Track the details: What’s the inning, the score, the outs, who’s on base, and what’s the count?
Analyze tendencies: Observe your opponents’ habits. Does the pitcher favor a certain pitch early in the count? Does the batter tend to swing at the first pitch?
Anticipate the next move: Based on the situation, what’s the most likely next play? Position yourself accordingly, whether you’re fielding, running the bases, or at the plate.
Embrace the Power of Statistics
Numbers don’t lie. Baseball statistics are a treasure trove of insights – use them strategically.
Learn the key stats: Understand batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and ERA. These offer clues about a player’s strengths and weaknesses.
Track your own stats: Monitor your performance to identify areas for improvement.
MLB Season Odds: Pay attention to them for a general overview of team performance, but don’t let them dictate your strategy entirely. There are always surprises and upsets.
The Art of Film Study
Just like NFL players analyze game footage to prepare, baseball players can gain an edge by studying film.
Watch yourself: Analyze footage of your at-bats and fielding techniques. Identify areas for improvement in your stance, swing path, or fielding approach.
Scout the competition: Look for holes in a pitcher’s delivery or predictable patterns in a batter’s swing.
Use technology: There are various apps and platforms designed for baseball video analysis, offering slow-motion breakdowns and drawing tools to highlight key details.
Communication is Key
Baseball might seem like an individual sport at times, but effective teamwork relies heavily on communication.
Talk on the field: Call out fly balls loudly, let your teammates know if you have the cutoff throw, and yell instructions to base runners.
Build relationships: Get to know your teammates’ strengths and tendencies. This helps to anticipate their actions and creates a smoother flow on the field.
Use signals: Develop clear, subtle signals with your coaches or teammates to relay strategies without tipping off the opposition.
Scout Your Opponents with a Discerning Eye
Knowledge is power. Studying your opponents in advance gives you a major edge.
Gather intel: Watch game footage, read scouting reports, and ask coaches or experienced teammates about their tendencies.
Make a game plan: How will you pitch to a power hitter? How will you field against someone who favors pulling the ball?
Stay adaptable: Be prepared to adjust your game plan if your opponent surprises you.
Develop a ‘Gamer’ Mentality
Technical skills are a foundation, but mental toughness and focus are what take you to the next level.
Visualize success: Imagine yourself making the winning play or hitting a home run.
Embrace pressure: Pressure is a privilege. Use it as fuel to stay sharp and execute.
Stay positive and focused: Mistakes happen, but don’t let them define your game. Quickly reset and get back in the zone.
Conclusion
Elevating your baseball IQ isn’t about becoming a walking baseball encyclopedia. It’s about developing a deep, practical understanding of the game that lets you react smartly and capitalize on opportunities. Remember, baseball is like a game of chess – the player who thinks a few moves ahead usually comes out on top.
This journey of sharpening your baseball instincts never ends. There’s always more to learn, new nuances to discover. Embrace the learning process. Watch the pros closely, ask questions, and never stop analyzing your own performance.
