The Nationals are back in DC tonight to host the San Diego Padres after a 4-2 road trip, winning a series against both the Braves (only the second time they dropped a series this year) and the Guardians. Both of those teams claim first place in their respective divisions. Without going into details, let’s just say that the two games that we lost on that road trip were easily winnable with one succumbing to pitching woes and the other due to a fielding error. The Nationals still lead the league in team errors.
However, we also still lead the league in team runs. Indeed, Abrams and Wood top the chart of offensive WAR (wins above replacement) leaders. Not sure exactly when the above photo was taken but I suspect it might have been last year, when they were a lot more bored than they are this year.
Pitching has improved greatly over the last week. The above photo reflects data from before the final game in Cleveland. However, the team did not record any earned runs in that game, so the ERA total would be lower than 1.0, if including that game. (Under a very weird scoring rule, Lovelady got tagged for an earned run even though the team did not because he inherited the last runner that scored when he came in as a reliever. Who doesn’t love the complicated nature of some of these arcane rules?!!) Over the last month, team ERA went from 5.11 in April to 4.40 in May.
I think it is fair to say that the Nationals are exceeding expectations this season. Federal Baseball recently published an article about Butera’s candidacy for NL Manager of the Year, stating, “if Butera’s Nats finish the season at or above .500, his candidacy would be tough to deny. These Nats were supposed to be basement dwellers, but now they are showing serious spunk and are rising up the NL East.” This is the kind of stuff that fires up players to perform for their managers. Let’s keep the chatter going.
Not only are the Nats spunky right now, but also the Rochester Red Wings are on a tear, just ending a win streak at 10 games. They have won 15 of their last 16 games. Abimelec Ortiz and Yohandy (Yoyo) Morales are leading the offense for the Red Wings. Expect to see Yoyo in DC soon. He’s hitting over .350 with a 1.024 OPS and plays third base. It will be fun to watch the competition between Yoyo and Brady House.
The team remains above .500 and is in third place and a half game back of the Phillies. Earlier this week, broadcasters Grant and Danny of 106.7 organized a parade down Half St. in front of the stadium to celebrate the team getting over the .500 mark. The group then gathered to watch the away game that night at a local bar. This is a pivotal point in the season to determine if we will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. Fan support helps. Let’s keep it up!
Have finished up my Kenyan safari. What an experience to see those beautiful and majestic animals in their natural habitat.
I’m tripping for about another month. The first in-person game I will be able to attend will be June 26 in Baltimore. Let me know if you’ll be there!
Let’s go get those Padres after giving former National and now-manager of the Padres, Craig Stammen, a warm welcome home.
Let’s be the envy of sports!
#thenatslady #theswarm
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