Double the Shark, Double the Fun

The Pirates and the Nationals played two yesterday and they figured that it would be nice if they both had a chance to win.  Personally, I would have rather seen the Nationals win both of them, but hey, that's just me.

In the first game, the Nationals were down for the first 6 innings until RicK AnKiel homered (nope, he didn't strike out...) to tie the game 2-2 in the 7th.  Sean Burnett and the bullpen unraveled again in the last two innings to lose the game 5-3.  The Shark ended the game 0 for 3, but still managed to get on base twice, with 2 walks and scored a run.  The best chance for the Nationals came in the 5th, when the Shark's hustle (he beat out an easy force out situation on a Werth grounder) led to a bases loaded, one out situation.  Unfortunately, both Zim and Nix spoiled any rally opportunities.  The game did have to be put on hold after the Pirates' Andrew McCutchen homered in the 8th inning....

The Shark warns McCutchen about hitting home runs at Nats Park

The second game went more in the Nationals favor.  Again the game was tied at 2 until the Pirates took the lead in the 7th.  The Nats rallied back in the 8th and beat the Pirates 4-3. One of Tyler's recent favorites, Ryan Mattheus got the win and Drew Storen saved his 20th game of the season.  The Shark again went 0 for 3, with two walks, and a run, the exact same line as Game 1. @AlyssaLowry1 took a great picture of a Shark fan (name?) and the Shark.  I know the Shark cheers/chants/fins/shirts help Bernadina thrive...

While the Shark ended the day 0-6, he still had a .400 OBP with 2 runs scored.  That is an impressive feat.  The Shark is the best leadoff hitter on the team and I hope he stays in the spot.  The Nationals wrap up the Pirates series today and the Shark is still hungry for more.

More to come.