Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Nationals may have just blown what could have been a six-game winning streak, but don’t let that skew the fact that the homestand they just completed could be seen as the spark that turned things around for them.
In the first series of that homestand versus the Atlanta Braves, Washington was outscored 9-6, losing the first two games by a run each, and were swept in three games. They were held in check by Atlanta’s pitching and looked as though there was no hope for the rest of the season. The next two series, however, were completely different stories, as Washington outscored their opponents 34-18 and won five of their next six games to now sit two games under .500.
Washington’s offense has been a well oiled machine of late, averaging about five runs a game and getting the pitching to back it up. Dan Haren has seriously turned things around, turning in another solid six innings, and has brought his ERA all the way down to 4.82. He looks like the Haren the Nationals expected they would get, albeit late in the game.
Washington needed to take full advantage of two weaker teams they were going to face after Atlanta and now go on the road to face those same Braves before a four game set against the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. Washington could use the hot streak they are on to steal a series win in Atlanta and need to win the series in Chicago, if not sweep all four games. The Royals have played very solid baseball of late and could make the playoffs this season.
Washington did exactly what they were supposed to do at home. Don’t let the 5-4 record fool you; Washington had a very solid homestand.
