The longest month in the brief history of the Washington Nationals came to a merciful end with a 4-2 victory over the Marlins yesterday afternoon. Livan Hernandez earned his 13th win and ended the Nationals skid with an eight inning, two run effort, and Chad Cordero pitched a perfect 9th for his 35th save. But what a difference a month makes: The Nats entered the month of July with a 47-31 record and proceeded to sweep a three game series from the Cubs in Chicago. From that point on, just about nothing could go right for the team that, for a while anyway, could seemingly do no wrong, and the Nats began their limping descent from the top of the NL East mountain.
Their victory yesterday snaps a six game losing streak and ends what was viewed as their most critical test of the season, a trip through Atlanta and Florida that began with the Nats still tied for first in the NL East. Thanks to a sweep in Atlanta, and losses on Friday night and Saturday in Florida, the Nats finish their six game road jaunt 1-5 and wake up this morning five games out behind the Braves, and one game behind Houston for the lead in the Wild Card. With a 9-18 record for the month of July and 10 straight losses in one run games, it’s time for the Nationals to turn the calendar page from July to August, and not look back.
