WASHINGTON NATIONALS TICKETS

Nationals can't get offense in rhythm
Entering Friday's action, Reds right-hander Bronson Arroyo had a 6.19 ERA. But the Nationals could muster little against Cincinnati's up-and-down hurler. Washington collected six hits and were blanked in the 3-0 defeat.

Harris making most of increased role
There is no question that Willie Harris gives his best every day. After starting the season on the bench, Harris now finds himself in a platoon situation with Felipe Lopez at second base. Playing more often has helped his batting average, as well.

Zimmerman's left shoulder mending
Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman saw Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek about his left shoulder Thursday and, according to Zimmerman, he continues to make progress.

Nationals figure to be buyers, sellers
General manager Jim Bowden said the Nationals are both buyers and sellers before the July 31 trade deadline.

Nationals can't hold off Reds in opener
The relief pitching didn't get the job done for the Nationals, who lost to the Reds, 5-3, at Great American Ballpark on Thursday night.

Nats look to right slumping bullpen
After a series of recent mishaps by the Nationals' bullpen, the club looks to rebound with a few good outings in relief against the Reds in the second frame of a four-game set in Cincinnati.

Kearns back in action for opener
The Nationals activated right fielder Austin Kearns from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder/outfielder Kory Casto to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

Boone influences writer to forge ahead
Hal McCoy has seen it all while covering the Reds for the Dayton Daily News. However, McCoy has a soft spot for one player that he covered for six-plus years. His name is Aaron Boone -- now an infielder for the Nationals.

Nationals applaud federal investigators
Jose Rijo, the special assistant to general manager Jim Bowden, said he applauds federal investigators who are looking into the scouting practices of a number of teams in Latin America.

Late homer dooms Nationals
After the Nationals' 4-2 loss to the Marlins on Wednesday, reliever Charlie Manning walked over to starter Odalis Perez and apologized. "What can you do?" Perez told the 29-year-old. "It's a baseball game. It's just a baseball game."

Lo Duca showing his worth
Paul Lo Duca has shown his versatility for the Nats of late, starting in left field in addition to catcher and first base this week. A strong veteran presence, Lo Duca is beginning to come around at the plate as well.

Zimmerman taking small steps
The Nationals are going to keep taking a day-by-day approach with injured third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. "[My shoulder] is feeling better," Zimmerman said on Wednesday. "It's getting stronger, but it's hard to notice anything [in the early stages of rehab]."

Dukes has hometown following
With reported crowds of just over 10,000 at Dolphin Stadium in the Nationals-Marlins series, even the smallest of cheering sections stick out like a sore thumb. Elijah Dukes' following is a prime example.

Offense backs Balester to win in debut
Nationals rookie Collin Balester got his Major League career off to the right foot on Tuesday. The 22-year-old, making his big league debut, allowed just one run in five innings and recorded the win as the Nationals beat the Marlins, 9-6, at Dolphin Stadium.

Nats looking for a little more out of Perez
The Nationals weren't expecting much when Odalis Perez took the bump for them on Friday against the Orioles. The 30-year-old lefty hadn't started since June 3 because of left shoulder tendinitis and was on an 80-pitch limit.

Bernadina learning as he goes in bigs
Nationals rookie Roger Bernadina is learning as he goes. The 24-year-old outfielder, called up from Double-A Harrisburg on Saturday, took the Nats' center-field job when Lastings Milledge went on the 15-day disabled list.

Balester makes quick transition to bigs
At about 4:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Collin Balester walked into the Nationals' clubhouse at Dolphin Stadium, unloaded his big, dark-blue duffle bag on the floor and exhaled while surrounded by the lockers of all of his new Nationals teammates.

Nationals stunned by Marlins in opener
Entering Monday's game, the Nationals and Marlins had combined for 15 walk-off wins on the season, and both were fresh off winning a game in their final at-bat. But it was the Marlins who were on the better end of that deal on this night. Josh Willingham hit a solo homer off Jon Rauch to lead off the 10th, and the Nationals fell, 6-5.