Apparently, when the little number in the "R" column of the Nats linescore is higher than that of their opponent at the end of the game, it's something called a "win."
Some Nats fans may have forgotten that little wrinkle in the rules. It has, after all, been a while: seven games this season, four at the end of last season.
Going back, this is just the team's second win in their last 18 games.
Shairon Martis did what no other Nats pitcher has been able to do. He gave 'em a quality start. He plugged along for 6.1 innings, keeping the Phillies off-balance, hitting his spots, but not really dominating.
In the end, it worked.
Martis's start is exactly what the team needs. They don't need Johan Santana to buzz through the lineup -- though that'd sure be nice!
They just need someone to give them 6 innings of ball, without completely burying the team. (You listening, Scott Olsen?)
Because as we've seen, the offense can do its share!
The Nats piled on four homers, including Adam Dunn's massive 3-run shot in the first inning. Somewhere, Earl Weaver is smiling.
They're scoring 5.25 runs per game, which is good for fifth in the league. That's rarefied air for the hometown nine; they've always struggled to score.
Last season, they scored just 3.98 runs.
That's a pretty big improvement. Trust in Eckstein!
It's amazing how quickly perceptions can change. Yesterday, Nats fans were heading for the Wilson Bridge, preparing to make the plunge.
But today? Can't you just cock your head to the side, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and seeing yesterday's game play itself out 75-80 more times this season?
Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. For now, it's one win.
And for now, that little straight line in the "W" column looks pretty good.
At least 'til tonight.
Chris Needham used to write Capitol Punishment. Like the 'Topes, the Nats rule.
