Nationals channel 2008 team, lose in embarrassing fashion

It’s been a while since we all had a good laugh at the Washington Nationals’ expense. The franchise has come a long way since the infamous “Natinals” jerseys or Jim Bowden’s segway. 

All good things must come to an end, and that’s precisely what happened during Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.

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With the Nationals down 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth, the club attempted to initiate a comeback. After Cubs’ closer Hector Rondon managed a lineout against Jose Lobaton, things started to fall apart.

Michael Taylor picked up a one out single, and that was followed up with a Clint Robinson walk. With men on first and second, Denard Span lined out to center, setting the stage for the newly activated Anthony Rendon. 

Rendon worked a 2-1 count, and appeared to be in the driver’s seat. The next pitch also went for a ball, putting Rendon and the Nats in the great spot.

Cubs catcher David Ross had other ideas, though. After the pitch, Ross fired the ball down to first base, picking off Robinson to end the game. The play wasn’t even close, as Robinson was easily caught.

Ross celebrated by yelling with joy as he walked out to the mound. Ross had plenty of reason to celebrate, as he threw out both Rendon and Danny Espinosa on steal attempts earlier in the contest. 

For the Nationals, the loss had real consequences. The team fell out of first place in the National League East for the first time since May 20.

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These Nationals are in much better hands, and should be able to bounce back after such an embarrassing performance. Jim Bowden isn’t wheeling his way through the door any time soon.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik