Nationals bounce back from disappointment to win NL East

Anthony Rendon celebrates with Jayson Werth after they both scored on a bases loaded single by Stephen Drew. (AP)

 

The Washington Nationals watched the playoffs from home last season after completely unraveling in the second half. They’re all the way back now after putting together a complete season under new manager Dusty Baker.

On Saturday, Washington clinched its third NL East championship in five years by defeating the Pirates 6-1 at PNC Park. They also received help from the Phillies, who knocked off the Mets 10-8 in a wild game at Citi Field.

The Nationals join the Chicago Cubs as division champions in the NL. That leaves the NL West, which the Los Angeles Dodgers could clinch later on Saturday, and the two team wild card positions open. The Texas Rangers are the only AL team to punch their ticket after winning the West.

The change from Matt Williams to Dusty Baker isn’t the only reason the Nationals have taken a step forward, but it would be difficult to dismiss it as a factor. Unlike last season, when Washington sputtered to a 40-45 finish amid sloppy play and clubhouse turmoil, Baker’s squad remained in firm control this season, spending all but four days in early May without a piece of first place.

The Nationals have done so by posting winning records in every month, which should continue with them currently (12-9) in September. Washington has dominated its division (49-24), including a 12-7 mark against the Mets. The team has taken care of business home (46-28) and away (44-35), making them one of the more well-rounded teams in MLB.

Speaking of which, Washington’s offense has become a well-balanced and well-oiled machine since the call up of rookie Trea Turner. His combination of power, speed and his ability to get on base has lengthened an already strong lineup. Bryce Harper has undoubtedly struggled, but could turn it on at any time. With veterans like Daniel Murphy, Anthony Rendon, Ryan Zimmernan, Wilson Ramos and Jayson Werth filling out Baker’s lineup, Washington won’t be a fun team to play in a short series.

On the pitching side, Max Scherzer, is having another Cy Young worthy season. The loss of Stephen Strasburg obviously hurts, but Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark provide decent back up in the rotation. The bullpen has been the concern for Washington in past playoff disappointments. It’s a different group now though, led by Mark Melancon and Blake Treinen, so the hope is for different results.

Time will tell if Washington’s first World Series championship is in the cards, but there’s no doubt they have the talent to make it happen.