It's More Impressive Than You Think

With today's thrilling 7-5 win over the Pirates, our thrilling Washington Nationals have moved their record up to 47-31 through 78 games. That is, by my mathematics, a 98-win pace, good enough not only for an NL East championship (unless something bizarre happens), but for the second-best win total in Washington, D.C. baseball history (only the 1933 Senators had more than 98 wins). They are over a .600 winning percentage, one of just four teams in the Major Leagues that can claim that lofty perch.

What's even more remarkable is that, as of May 28th's loss to the Cardinals, the Nats stood at 24-25. In the 29 games since, they are 23-6! That's not just great baseball, that is .800 baseball (well, close)!

We all know that hot streaks do not last forever. This team will not go 67-17 the rest of the way (the 84-game equivalent of 23-9). But it's also becoming less likely that the Nationals really are a .500 team having a freakishly good half. .500 teams don't go on 23-6 runs - they have too many holes to win that consistently. Now, injuries may take their toll, and players may struggle. But you won't get me believing that this is a .500 team and will wind up 88-74. This is a 90-win team. Book it.