Lineup shuffle helps out P-Nats

When the Potomac Nationals began the second half on June 25, their lineup looked quite different than the one that closed the first half four days earlier.

Potomac's new-look batting order included Sean Rooney and Devin Ivany splitting time hitting second. Michael Burgess moved up from the fifth to the fourth spot and Chris Marrero dropped from the fourth to the fifth spot. Dan Nelson dropped from third to ninth.

The makeover, a decision manager Trent Jewett and hitting coach Jerry Browne pondered, paid dividends during Potomac's seven-game road trip in which it went 4-3.

The Nationals scored at least five runs in every game and each player responded well to his new spot. Rooney had three multi-hit games, one of which came when he hit three doubles against Winston-Salem. Marrero hit four home runs in four games. Burgess hit a home run and had five RBI. Nelson went 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBI in the series opener against Wilmington.

"The main function was to put our best hitters in a spot where we make sure they get that fourth or fifth at-bat," Jewett said. "When you're hitting sixth or seventh, you may not get that final at-bat. We felt like Burgess could handle the move to the cleanup spot and it would take some pressure off Chris. He's done some of that. We're happy with that."

Potomac managed at least 10 hits in five straight games and received contributions from several other hitters. Tim Pahuta provided a 3-for-4 game with an RBI and a run scored on June 30. Aaron Seuss doubled, homered and had two RBI July 1. Ivany, Brian Peacock and Stephen King and Boomer Whiting also gave the Nationals multi-hit games.

"We feel everybody's head is above water now," Jewett said. "They understand their role and everybody's contributed."

GOING HOME HAPPY

Dan Lyons rejoined Potomac just prior to the All-Star break after going on the disabled list with a strained hamstring. He spent time at the Washington Nationals' spring training complex in Viera, Fla., rehabilitating the injury.

On Wednesday, he made sure his team enjoyed a pleasant bus ride home from Winston-Salem. His 12th-inning triple scored three runs and was the winning hit in the Nationals' 8-4 win.

"I was fortunate to get in a game and be in a situation that allowed me to do something special," Lyons said. "I never know if I'll get another [opportunity].

"I was able to drive the ball to the outfield."

Lyons had not had an an-bat since June 21. He was not originally in Wednesday's lineup and entered in the bottom of the ninth when Nelson moved from second base to left field.

"The main thing is getting the right pitch to hit," said Lyons when asked about getting his timing down. "You want to see the ball and hit the ball."

A DAY TO CELEBRATE

Marrero's 21st birthday came on Wednesday. He has reached base via a hit, walk or hit by a pitch in 59 of 71 games this season. As of Wednesday afternoon, he was third in the Carolina League with 76 hits.