Nats Notebook-How Sweep It Is...
Well, that was one heck of a weekend at Wrigley. The Nationals move four games in front of the Chicago Cubs thanks to their sweep, and the hottest team in baseball remains on track to extend its year beyond September. But despite the 26-15 mark since the All Star Break, there are clouds off in the distance once one reaches Labor Day. As in after September 1, the Nats will play just three games against clubs with losing records. And the bullpen still springs leaks at inopportune times. Brace yourselves for the ride ahead, while basking in what has turned out to be one awesome August (16-6 mark is the best in the NL).
Dissecting the Division- somehow the Nats haven't been able to make a dent in Atlanta's NL East lead. Before falling to Colorado in a make-up game Monday the Braves had won eight straight. With seven games remaining against the leaders over the final month of the season, it's not over yet. Philadelphia's five games behind the Nats and 11 behind the Braves. The New York Mets? A half game behind the Phillies thanks to their latest three game losing streak. Miami at 47-82 has an elimination number of one.
The Wild, Wild Card- the Nats lead the Chicago Cubs by four games, and after the Cubs there are five teams within five games of the final playoff spot in the NL. Be ready next week for a schedule breakdown.
Harper's Weekly- Congratulations to the former National as he enjoys his paternity leave. All the best to Bryce's roster addition, and even though he's a foe for the time being in Nats Nation, one wishes the best for the Harpers.
Last Week's Heroes- Anthony Rendon took NL Player of the Week honors after hitting .483 with 2 homers and 7 RBI, upping his total to 29 and 104-or on pace to hit 37 with 132. Someone should sign him. Howie Kendrick hit .500 while Asdrubal Cabrera notched 11 RBI and Juan Soto scored 13 runs. Anibal Sanchez tossed 8.1 innings of one-hit ball while Patrick Corbin threw 8 scoreless innings.
Last Week's Humbled- what would a Nationals week be without a bullpen blowout? Fernando Rodney blew a save Sunday against the Cubs, Wander Suero posted an ERA of 10.13 and Matt Grace's ERA was 13.50. Brian Dozier hit 1-for-14 while Kurt Suzuki batted 3-for-17.
Game to Watch- Wednesday Max Scherzer pitches against Asher Wojciechowski. Let's see how Max fares in his second start since coming off of the Injured List.
Game to Miss- Saturday Joe Ross pitches against last-place Miami. College Football officially kicks off its season (pay no attention to last week's misguided matchup between Miami and Florida) this week and Saturday will feel like one is returning home to see an old friend. The Marlins will understand.