Nationals bring fresh bullpen, high hopes into Game 4

WASHINGTON (AP) — If there was one positive facet about the Washington Nationals' first loss in well over a week, it was that they had a fresh bullpen for their next attempt to take control of the World Series.

While falling 4-1 to the Houston Astros on Friday night, the Nationals avoided using setup man Sean Doolittle and closer Daniel Hudson.

Both were ready to roll on Saturday night in Game 4, eager to finish what Patrick Corbin started and put the Nationals within a victory of their first World Series title.

Fernando Rodney, Joe Ross and Wander Suero did the job on Friday night so the regular late-inning guys could finish — if needed — on Saturday.

"They did a great job, they really did, from Rodney to Ross, all of them," manager Dave Martinez said. "The fact we didn't have to use Doo or Huddie, even though we were prepared to, they're fresh today."

Doolittle earned a save in the Series opener and will be well rested when given his next chance to throw.

"It allowed us to save our back-end guys and not give them another look at me or Huddie or Tanner (Rainey), so with Corbin going and Max (Scherzer) after him, we're still in a really good spot," Doolittle said.

PITCHER WITH A BAT

Max Scherzer is more talented at the plate than most pitchers. He hit .243 last season and owns a respectable .193 career batting average.

For the most part, however, a pitcher with a bat in his hands isn't much of a threat.

"When you get in the box you want to contribute offensively, whether it's getting a bunt down or moving a runner or just trying to find a way to get on base," Scherzer said. "I love the hitting aspect of the game. I love that I get to hit

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source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Nationals-bring-fresh-bullpen-high-hopes-into-14565220.php