Nationals show impressive win strides as they prepare to face strong competitor in the…

Since the start of June, the Washington Nationals have hit their stride, boasting an impressive 11-4 record over the last 15 games. This strong performance has brought them close to the .500 mark at 38-39 as they prepare to face the San Diego Padres in a series opener on Monday.

The Nationals’ recent success on the road, including clinching their second consecutive road series win and securing four series victories in their last five attempts, demonstrates their ability to perform well away from home. Their latest come-from-behind win against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday marked their 22nd such victory this season, the highest in MLB.

Lane Thomas emphasized the team’s focus on quality at-bats and teamwork to score runs effectively without relying solely on home runs. Additionally, Jacob Young’s recent impressive performance, including a .391 batting average over the last seven games and 17 stolen bases this season, has been a significant factor in the Nationals’ success. Young’s speed and ability to get on base have been crucial in sparking the team’s offense and contributing to their recent victories.

Thomas expressed his pleasure at seeing him perform well, especially when he himself was hitting, with a smile on his face.

Kyle Finnegan’s road to redemption
Washington suffered a defeat in Saturday night’s game against the Rockies due to Finnegan’s performance in the bottom of the ninth inning. Despite allowing four hits and two runs, he walked in the winning run on a pitch clock violation, resulting in the game ending under unusual circumstances.

Finnegan had an opportunity to redeem himself on Sunday, although the game did not start off on a positive note as the first two Colorado batters reached base on singles. However, Finnegan managed to strike out two of the next three hitters and secure a flyout to earn his 22nd save of the season.

Following the game, Washington manager Dave Martinez emphasized the significance of the moment for his closer. Martinez commended Finnegan for his ability to remain focused despite the challenging situation, expressing his pride in the pitcher’s performance. Despite the initial setbacks, Martinez reassured Finnegan of his value to the team and encouraged him to maintain his confidence.

With 22 saves to his name, Finnegan currently ranks second in the National League, trailing only Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals. Helsley recently discussed the mindset of a closer in a conversation on the Clubhouse Chatter podcast.