Manny NOT Being Manny Leads to Win

(by Steven Ruiz) Two outs, two on, in the top of the eighth inning. Nats lead the Braves 4-1 with Scott Olsen on the mound. He has 97 pitches under his belt, and here comes Manny. We've seen this before. Another impressive performance from a Washington starter turned over to the bullpen. A walk, sandwiched by a couple of hits later, and the Nationals--suddenly--find themselves tied going in to the bottom of the inning. But, faster than you can say "Julian Tavarez", Manny is back in the dugout and Olsen is out of the inning, unscathed. This moment is just what the doctor ordered for the beleaguered Nationals. And this moment is definitely what the fans, and Rob Dibble, ordered. Finally, Manny Acta doesn't play it by the book, and takes a chance. Finally, a Nationals pitcher says, "this is my game to win!" Finally, a winning streak!!! Get the camera ready, we have ourselves another "Defining Moment" commercial. I volunteer to be the overzealous fan, waxing poetic on Scott Olsen's outing. "A 8 2/3, three-run masterpiece! Did I mention two hits, an RBI, and a perfect sacrifice! Nats take the series!" In closing, I'd like to pass along this message from Nyjer in Washington DC: Hey Lastings! This is how you hit lead-off and play centerfield! Good luck in Pittsburgh.