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"It was a superb effort on his part from the first pitch of the ballgame to the last pitch of the ballgame." (Frank Robinson, via Washington Post, 8/16/2006)

"I remember like my old times when I throw some shutouts and I am just feeling good." (Pedro Astacio, via Washington Times, 8/16/2006)

Pedro Aces Braves: A two-hit complete game shutout on a night when he had no-hit stuff.

First complete game by a Nationals starter all season? You bet.

Thank you, Pedro. A reminder of why we have to keep watching even though the games are essentially meaningless.

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

Comments

[SomeGuy]

I happened to be there, a great night to pick a random game to go to (and free tickets). Great game, well pitched by Astacio. He wasn't overpowering, he wasn't overly masterful. He threw very few pitches that made you jump out of your seat. But he pitched well, threw a lot of ground balls and had good defense behind him.

Let's not forget the decent offensive performance by the Nats. Timely Braves errors helped immensely, but it was nice to see thigns go our way for once. And especially, big ups to Bernie Castro (El Jefe's illegitimate 2nd cousin I think, nicknamed, El Otro) who bunted for a hit AND an RBI.

Soriano will also end the year hitting over .300, and will sneak in his SBs to get to the 40/30 mark.

If Lopez improves his defense next year, we resign Soriano, and we get some pitching, we could be good. That's a few big IFs.