In the MLB season, September is the time when teams fighting for postseason play are forced to step up their game in order to punch their ticket into the playoffs. Other teams already out of playoff contention can do nothing but attempt to spoil other team’s chances of advancing. The Nationals are a team very likely to participate in postseason play, as they lead the National League East by a comfortable eight games. However, they close out their season with key games against their division rival the Atlanta Braves, so achieving these wins will be crucial if the Nats hope to ride their current wave of success into the playoffs.
To maintain their good fortune, the Nats are counting on their sensational pitching staff which leads the entire National League with the lowest Earned Run Average (ERA). The Nationals are also looking towards their offense, which has greatly aided them in prior weeks, to continue their success. One key hitter is Adam LaRoche, who has hit four home runs (HR’s) and driven in 10 RBI.
The Nationals will also need players like Ryan Zimmerman, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, to return to help the team.
If the Nationals secure a few more wins combined with Brave’s losses, they will be headed back to the postseason for only the second time in their history. Perhaps this time around, they will make a run at the World Series.
