The Nats didn't play last night, but that's fine: They -- and we -- needed a breather after their heartstopping 1-0 win on Wednesday, their final game against the Angels and their fifth straight series victory. Starting pitcher Ryan Drese, released by the Texas Rangers just last week, was flawless on the mound through eight innings. With one run on the up on board, Nats closer Chad Cordero just had to make it official. Instead, he let the Angels immediately load the bases -- without getting a one of them out. Then, with his back to the wall, Cordero thew one out swinging. Another popped out to center. Finally, Cordero got the third and final out on strikes. With that, the best in the NL East took 2 out of 3 from the best in the AL West at home. What's not to like?

Up next are the Rangers themselves, who have had a mixed June, losing five straight last week but boasting a 9-game home winning streak ... at least until the Braves beat them in Arlington on Tuesday. Despite the blackouts that have kept many games off the air, this one will be on trusty WDCA-20 at 8:05 p.m. tonight.

In other Nats news, the near-brawl on Tuesday continued to play out in the sports pages this week. Speaking with the Post, Mike Scioscia at least made conciliatory noises toward ex-Angel Jose Guillen: "He's playing well, and we're happy for him. We're playing well, too, and that's where our focus is." But Guillen was having none of it: "Mike Scioscia, to me, is like a piece of garbage. I don't really care. I don't care if I get in trouble. He can go to hell. We've got to move on. I don't got no respect for him."