We’re 8 games into the 2026 season with a record of 3-5. Not exactly where we would like to be but there are 156 more games to go. A lot can happen during that time.
Know what I like so far? Our fans are there for the team. The players are more energized than last year. The coaches are trying out different lineups and tailoring them to the opposing pitching staff. My daughter was able to attend opening day. The cherry blossoms were beautiful.
Also, the team has a lot of positive individual and team statistics to celebrate. Wiemer’s historic start at the plate awed us last week. CJ Abrams has set a team record for early season RBIs. After 7 games, the Nationals HAD THE HIGHTEST BATTING AVERAGE IN ALL OF MLB at .283. Hard to believe after the spring training performance at the plate. The Nats also ranked first in hits and second in runs per game after 7 games.
On the other hand, team pitching, which was looking pretty good in spring training is struggling mightily. The team ranks third highest in ERA at 5.46 and third highest in runs allowed per game at 5.86. Only the White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are worse.
Fielding is similarly not up to par. The Nationals are tied for second with the most errors in the league at 9. However, with Luis Garcia being new at first base and other new players in the infield, a slow start at defense doesn’t surprise me. Let’s hope the offense stays hot but the pitching and defense improve. Such changes can only lead to more wins.
Opening day is generally a spiritual experience for me. This year, however, I was not at the park but on a different kind of spiritual experience hiking the Kumano Kodo in Japan and exploring beautiful Shinto shrines. It’s peak cherry blossom season here as well!
Hopefully Sunday brings a different result against the Dodgers.
Let’s be the envy of sports!
#thenatslady #theswarm
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