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Versailles grad
loves his role as a National
Stammen tough on the mound
yahoo sports
Craig Stammen is pegged as the long right-handed reliever out of the
bullpen for the Nationals. But Thursday his role became that of closer
as he struck out the side in the 10th inning to help lift the Nationals
over the Reds, 3-2.
Stammen (1-0) struck out Willie Harris, Drew Stubbs and Zach Cozart.
The last strike out of Cozart was particularly emphatic. It was of the
looking variety, which brought with it a huge roar from the partisan
40,907 at Nationals Park on home opening day.
That seemed to reignite the Nationals offense which got aggressive in
the bottom of the 10th to find a way to score one run and win it. A
wild pitch by Alfredo Simon a few minutes later, scored Ryan Zimmerman
from third base with the game deciding run.
So, does Stammen think manager Davey Johnson wants him to be used later
in games?
“I think Davey does a good job of handling the bullpen,” Stammen said.
“I think me and Tom (Gorzelanny) have a pretty good idea of when we are
going to be put in the games. That situation is usually when the long
man comes in. Our bullpen is pretty set to where we know what is going
to happen. Davey is doing a good job of using us in those situations.”
“I am a relief pitcher, currently. They can throw me wherever they want
and I will do my job. I am in the big leagues so I am enjoying it for
sure.”
Stammen said winning games like this when you don’t blow someone out
will pay dividends come the rough and tumble final days in August and
September.
“It is a good feeling,” Stammen said. “We have been fighting in every
game. It has all been pretty close games. It is good to pull out these
close ones early on so later on they are not so gut wrenching.”
It also doesn’t hurt to win a game against the Cincinnati Reds when you
grew up in Versailles, Ohio, where pretty much everyone is a lifetime
Reds fans.
“Oh yeah,” Stammen said. “I was definitely juiced up. I know every
single person that I know from where I am from was watching that game.
I had to hold up my reputation there for that inning.”
And maybe, just maybe, there are a few more Nationals fans in
northwestern Ohio today after Stammen’s quick work against the Redlegs.
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