The Washington Nationals have clinched a NL Wild Card berth sweeping Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader 4-1 and 6-5. It must have been satisfying to clinch against Bryce Harper thus proving they can reach the post-season without him.
It has been a remarkable season in D.C. Prior to Memorial Day Weekend, the Nats were 19-31. They had lost five in a row and were only 1.5 games ahead of the Miami Marlins. Manager Dave Martinez was on the hot seat. But despite a suspect bullpen, the Nats turned it around going 69-38 since. They didn't have a losing streak of more than three games until earlier this month.
What the Nats have going for them is strong starting pitching in Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez, a MVP candidate in Anthony Rendon, a young slugger in Juan Soto and an sparkplug at the top of the order in Trea Turner. Their triumph is tempered by the fact Martinez underwent a heart procedure earlier this month. Bench coach Chip Hale is serving as acting manager.
Between 2012 and 2017, the Nats won four NL East pennants but could not make in past the NLDS. I strongly suspect they will meet the same fate in 2019 with their bullpen which has blown 29 saves. The idea the Nats' bullpen will hold up in the post-season seems far-fetched.
Washington will likely host the NL Wild Card game one week from tonight. They will most likely play the Milwaukee Brewers whose magic number for a post-season berth is 1. However, the Brewers are only 3 games back of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central and still have an outside shot at the division. There is also a remote possibility the Nats could face their NL East rival New York Mets or the Chicago Cubs. But the Mets would have to win their remaining five games while the Brewers will have to lose their remaining five games which would force Game 163. However, the Brewers are 18-4 in September and are playing their best baseball without Christian Yelich. So this is very unlikely. It is equally unlikely they will face the Cubs who are in the midst of a 7 game losing streak with manager Joe Maddon's job in jeopardy. What is certain is that the Washington Nationals will play baseball in October.
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