Foul Pop, Deep Pitch Lead Nats to 43rd Loss

Ludacris concert might be highlight Saturday

By ASHA BEH

Updated 12:15 PM EST, Sat, Jun 13, 2009

Print Email Share TWITTER FACEBOOK

If Friday night's game is any indication, the Ludacris concert Saturday night might be a better catch than the next Nat's game.

With two outs, nobody on base, and facing Washington Nationals lefty Ron Villone -- once known as VILL0.00NE, Tampa Bay Rays pinch-hitter Gabe Kapler hit a tie-breaking homer in the eight inning, Sports Network reported.

Instead of catching a pop foul that would've been the third out, first baseman Nick Johnson dropped it and the Rays won 4-3 Friday night, bringing the Nats down to their 43rd loss.

"I was screaming at the ball and I think it heard me and skipped off Nick's glove," Kapler said. "I guess I really wanted that opportunity."

Villone was on his way to an easy one-two-three eighth when Johnson settled under Kapler's pop foul. He made a slight adjustment at the last moment, but couldn't hold onto the ball, the AP reported.

"I just missed it. Plain and simple," Johnson said. "Saw it the whole way, just didn't catch it."

Another sloppy performance by the Nationals, who allowed two unearned runs, prompted manager Manny Acta to hold a team meeting.

"We have to make sure we don't give any extra outs," Acta said. "That really ends up biting us."

The Nats play the Rays again tonight at 6:08 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Rookie right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, after missing a start, will take the mound for the Nats.

After the game, rapper Ludacris will perform; the concert is free for anyone with a game ticket, according to the Rays' game notes.

Notes: DH Pat Burrell returned to the Rays' lineup after missing 29 games with a neck strain and went 0-for-3 with a walk. ... Tampa Bay LHP Scott Kazmir (strained right quad) threw 44 pitches in a simulated game and likely will begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment at Class A Charlotte in the middle of next week. ... Rays SS Jason Bartlett (left ankle sprain) began a rehab assignment at Charlotte. He went 1-for-4 with a walk as the designated hitter Friday and is expected play shortstop Saturday and Sunday before being evaluated. ... Washington RHP Kip Wells (groin strain) will pitch on consecutive days Saturday and Sunday for Class A Potomac. ... Nationals LHP Scott Olsen (left shoulder tendinitis) will make a rehab start this weekend with Triple-A Syracuse.