Dave Martinez recognized Mitchell Parker's previous struggles and emphasized the need for him to pound the strike zone in the matchup against the Cardinals. However, Parker faltered early, walking the first two batters and needing 36 pitches to complete a problematic first inning. By the end of the game, the Nationals lost 10-0, with Parker's inefficiencies evident. Despite a slight recovery in his subsequent innings, the bullpen failed to contain the Cardinals, leading to a dispiriting defeat characterized by poor pitch control and offensive struggles for Washington.
Parker's first inning set the tone. Nine of those first 10 pitches were four-seam fastballs; only one called a strike, showcasing his trouble starting off strong.
Parker needed 36 pitches to get through the first inning, which ended with the Nationals trailing by two runsâsuggesting many more potential runs could have scored.
Cardinals' starter Erick Fedde, needed 109 pitches to throw the first complete game and shutout of his career against his former team.
The Nationals didnât have a walk and saw only three three-ball counts all night, indicating a lack of offensive aggressiveness and discipline at the plate.
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