News
Hanson aims to carry dominance into July
Washington (22-55) vs. Atlanta (39-40), 1:05 p.m. ET
By Mark Selig / MLB.com
07/04/09 12:57 AM ET
WASHINGTON -- In a dark visiting team lounge at Nationals Park, a large high-definition television illuminated Tommy Hanson's body, as the 6-foot-6 pitcher leaned back in a leather seat, watched a movie and relaxed the afternoon before his scheduled Saturday start.It's easy being Hanson these days. Or at least that's the way the 22-year-old phenom makes it seem.
Since arriving in the Majors on June 7, Hanson is 4-0, the Braves are 5-0 when he starts and the big right-hander -- who won Rookie Pitcher of the Month in June -- hasn't allowed a run in 20 innings.
"It's just been fun the whole time I've been [in the Majors]," Hanson said. "I'm real excited to go out [Saturday] -- being the Fourth of July in the nation's capital, it should be fun."
With his 2.48 ERA and spotless record, Hanson has yet to face much resistance since a shaky first start.
"You feel like you're going to win when he goes out there," manager Bobby Cox said. "That's the best feeling you can have."
Cox is most impressed with the rookie's composure and ability to get out of jams. The Braves manager even said that Hanson "fits right in there" with some of the best young pitchers he has coached -- a list that includes numerous future Hall of Famers.
With a simple, gimmickless windup Hanson looks like any generic righty on the mound. But a lively mid-90's fastball, a huge curveball and deceptive changeup shoot out of his tall frame and keep hitters off-balance.
Pitching coach Roger McDowell thinks Hanson's simple delivery allows the rookie to stay consistent and control his pitches.
"His pitches speak for themselves," McDowell added. "But his poise, mound presence and conviction to his pitches set him apart from some other young pitchers. He doesn't get rattled on the mound."
A soft-spoken southerner, Hanson is enjoying his stay in the big leagues because of the new challenges he confronts.
"Overall, it's just better," Hanson said, comparing the Major Leagues to Minors. "Everyone you face in the lineup is a good hitter. There's no breaks."
And the comparably luxurious living style? That too "is just better," according to Hanson.
Pitching matchupATL: RHP Tommy Hanson (4-0, 2.48 ERA)
Hanson may have had the flu while pitching on Sunday against the Red Sox, but he made the Boston hitters feel just as sick. Hanson fought through his illness to throw six scoreless innings of two-hit ball. On a hot, muggy day at Turner Field, Hanson threw 97 pitches despite barely feeling well enough to start. For the second consecutive outing, Hanson silenced a potent American League East lineup. The rookie shut out the Yankees on June 23 and has now thrown 20 consecutive scoreless innings. WSH: LHP John Lannan (5-5, 3.45 ERA)
Lannan continues to show he is the leader of the Washington rotation. He picked up his fifth straight quality start and helped the Nationals defeat the Orioles, 5-3, at Camden Yards on Sunday afternoon. Lannan pitched 7 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on six hits. Early on, Lannan had problems with his two-seam fastball, and it showed in the second inning. After Nolan Reimold walked, Luke Scott doubled to put runners on second and third. Oscar Salazar then singled to left to send Reimold home and give Baltimore a 1-0 lead. But in typical Lannan fashion, he battled back and was able to get out of the inning. Matt Wieters then hit into a double play, and Robert Andino grounded out. Lannan cruised until the eighth inning, when he gave up a pair of hits.
Tidbits
After defeating Washington on Friday night, the Braves improved to 34-1 when leading after eight innings. They also bettered their record to 23-8 when recording 10 or more hits. ... In his past 10 games, second baseman Martin Prado is hitting .486 (17-37). ... Yunel Escobar was 2-for-2 Friday, posting his team-high 23rd multihit game this season. He is leading the Braves in batting average (.299), hits (79), RBIs (42) and runs (70).
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• WFED 1500, SBN 1390 (Español), ESPN 730 (Sp.) Up next
• Sunday: Nationals (Scott Olsen, 1-4, 6.56) vs. Braves (Derek Lowe, 7-6, 4.44), 1:35 p.m. ET
• Monday: Nationals (Craig Stammen, 1-3, 5.44) at Rockies (Jason Marquis, 10-5, 3.87), 8:40 p.m. ET
• Tuesday: Nationals (Jordan Zimmermann, 3-3, 4.52) at Rockies (Jason Hammel, 5-4, 3.90), 8:40 p.m. ET
Mark Selig is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
