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The Washington Nationals are on somewhat of a roll, as they have won four of their last five games and have scored a total of 27 runs in that span.
Washington has gotten offense recently from the most unlikely of places, with even Denard Span hitting home runs in consecutive games. It seems like Washington’s lineup is finally starting to produce; whether from the firing of Rick Eckstein or because hits are finally starting to drop, Washington’s lineup seems to be finally living up to expectations.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, much of the focus will be on the potential moves the team can make, but more attention should be paid to the position Washington is in ahead of their pivotal series against the Atlanta Braves.
Washington goes into tonight’s tilt with the Detroit Tigers having swept the AL Central juggernauts the last time out, and coming off their first-ever win against Anibal Sanchez, who will start for Detroit tonight.
Nats starter Stephen Strasburg is also coming off an eight-inning, two-hit, 12-strikeout performance in a loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Strasburg has been strong in has past two starts, allowing three earned runs in 15 innings pitched.
Washington has a major opportunity here to make a statement to the rest of the leagues that they are still around and still have plenty of time to prove that 2012 was not a fluke.
With Atlanta’s recent injury issues, along with the Nats’ earlier dominance Detroit and the mess that is the Milwaukee Brewers, Washington still has every opportunity to turn things around, and this road trip could be just what the doctor ordered.
