Undeniably, it’s beginning to feel like a season of destiny for the Washington Nationals. At least until they face the American league champion in the World Series. Equally important, the Nationals will have the opportunity.
Patrick Corbin struck out a dozen St. Louis Cardinals in game four of the NLCS. Washington put seven runs on the board in the first inning, and it held up for a 7-4 final. Obviously, it’s a night of celebration in Washington, D.C. because this is the first time the franchise will appear in a World Series.
WORLD SERIES BOUND‼️
For the first time in franchise history, the @Nationals are NL Champions! pic.twitter.com/RsHDX8j6K8
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 16, 2019
Let’s recap things a bit. First off, the Nationals had almost no chance (0.1 percent) at making the playoffs back in May. This is according to MLB Stats on twitter. There was even talk of firing their manager Dave Martinez.
The @Nationals had a 0.1% chance to win the pennant on May 25.
Look at them now. pic.twitter.com/pMaEHDZXXO
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 16, 2019
Then, things took off.
Recently, they rallied to beat Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the NLDS. Since that shocking upset, they haven’t lost a game.
Moreover, they clinched a wildcard spot against Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies. Then the miracle comeback in the wildcard game, starring outfielder Juan Soto.
Finally, the Nationals are celebrating becoming NL champions. It’s pretty incredible that after all the managerial hires and disappointing endings to seasons – this is the team that breaks through and gets it done. Without any Bryce Harper, and with free agency looming for Anthony Rendon.
Sometimes, a team peaks a year or two early. While that isn’t the case with this Nationals’ club, it seems like things are just right for them to pull off something special in the season’s final series of the year. They’re playing really good baseball right now.
