After a very difficult post-All Star break and an excruciating trade deadline period the Nationals appear to have righted the ship. The Nationals have won 4 of their last 5 games and secured a sweep of the Reds in DC this weekend. In those 5 games, the Nationals outscored their opponents 33-17.
CJ Abrams is leading the team. (James Wood remains on IL). Have you noticed that Abrams’ celebratory gesture after hitting is rubbing off on the rest of the team? He is using a hand position from meditation and yoga known as the gyan mudra. These gestures, deeply rooted in ancient Indian spiritual and healing traditions, are considered to be a language of the soul, expressing and channeling the body’s energy and intentions. The term “mudra” is derived from Sanskrit, with “mud” meaning joy and “ra” meaning produce, suggesting that mudras are means to generate joy and happiness. This specific mudra is believed to improve concentration and memory, stimulate the root chakra, and encourage a sense of calm.
Here’s hoping the players calmly keep hitting and winning. Even with the recent slump, the Nationals still lead all of MLB in runs, home runs, and stolen bases.
And guess what? The recent player moves (including trades and call ups from Rochester) have bolstered the pitching ranks — especially the bullpen — and also bolstered power hitting capabilities. I loved seeing Andrew Pinkney get the call up last week. His first big league hit was an oppo taco with his family present for the milestone. And Abimelec Ortiz looks good platooning with Chaparro at first and has hit two home runs. Harry Ford looks so good the Mariners are calling to see if they can have him back.
But what about that bullpen? Yesterday’s game shows what can be done. Will Dion got his first win with the Nationals, in relief, after retiring the first nine batters he faced. He allowed one hit in three innings. Trevor Williams tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings and maintained his 0.00 ERA since returning from elbow surgery on July 29. Jake Bird worked a hitless ninth.
Brad Lord is back. DJ Herz is pitching in rehab. Jake Irvin is back. Beeter and Peralta are looking sharper. Alvarez is looking like a big league starter.
I hope they don’t cool off on their day off today. The Cubs are in town for three starting tomorrow. After that, we have a chance to really pile up some wins with 17 games against the Mets, Rangers, Marlins and Rockies to close out August.
I haven’t given up on a wild card spot yet!
Let’s be the envy of sports!
#thenatslady #theswarm
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