An Ominous Omen

Over the last three days, we've witnessed a reversal of fortune for the Nats. Throughout this season, the team's first, the Nats have won because of their clutch play. Often they have been out-hit by their opponents and yet managed to win. They win because of timely hitting, smart baserunning, hustle, will, and good pitching and defense.

Scrappy play usually earns a team respect, not first place in a tough division. But the Nats have elevated the importance of inspiration. Only two DC ballplayers were elected to this year's All Star Game (Jose Guillen and Nick Johnson should have been), but this is because a different hero emerges every evening. A number of the Nats' hitters are wallowing in the low .200s, generally a sign of a bad ballclub. But those few hits that the Nats obtain are always essential. The Nats have yanked victories from the jaws of defeat so often, they can be confused with competitive dentists.

That's what makes the last three days so puzzling, so peculiar. Yes, the Nats won two of the last three games, but it was the manner of each game that worries this fan. The Nats were leading in all three games. On Sunday, against the Cubs, the Nats took a two-run lead into the ninth. With All Star Chad Cordero on the hill, the game figured to be over. However, the Cubs battled back with a homer from Ramirez. The Nats fought back taking two in the 11th. Yet again, the Cubs tied it. Brian Schneider won the game with a solo shot the next inning, but the Nats had blown a two-run lead twice having the chance to close the game out.

The un-Nat-like play continued on Monday. With a slim lead against the Mets, the bullpen collapsed. The Mets were the team with the clutch hitting, winning the July 4th contest in the ninth. This past night saw a tired Esteban Loaiza give up ninth inning baserunners and Cordero allow two runners to return homeward. The Nats hung on, but the omen is ominous.

The Nats have been the team that has capitalized on others' mistakes, not created their own. However, as the Nats regulars return to action, our chances still look quite good.