--RHP Saul Rivera has had better success in his career against left-handed hitters than right-handed hitters, so manager Manny Acta didn't hesitate to bring in the righty in the seventh inning Monday to face Phillies CF Shane Victorino, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard, RF Jayson Werth and LF Raul Ibanez. The move backfired, though, when Rivera plunked Victorino and Utley on back-to-back pitches and then served up a three-run homer to Howard and a solo homer to Ibanez. Acta said he may not see a similar outcome the rest of the season. "Saul sometimes goes three months without giving up a home run," the manager said.
--RHP Daniel Cabrera recorded the first successful plate appearance of his big-league career Monday, dropping a sacrifice bunt in the second inning of the Nationals' game against the Phillies. Cabrera, who spent the last six years in the American League, had been 0-for-16 with 16 strikeouts previously. He went back to his old ways his next time up Monday, swinging and missing at an offering from Phillies LHP Jamie Moyer. BY THE NUMBERS: 10 -- Walks drawn by Adam Dunn through the season's first six games, tops in the NL.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I guarantee you we're not going to go 0-for-April." -- Manager Manny Acta, after his team began the season 0-5.
