Washington Nationals: 3 Takeaways From Yesterday's Wild Win

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Apr 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) smiles while talking with Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) in the dugout against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 5-4 in sixteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Nats Can Go Wire-to-Wire

One of the biggest signs of a playoff team is their ability to explode at any point in a game, no matter the situation, score, or opponent. The Nats lead the MLB in first inning runs with 25, which is more than any team has scored in any inning so far this season. They’ve posted an OPS of .969 with two outs and runners in scoring position, the highest mark in baseball among teams that don’t play their home games at Coors Field.

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The Washington Nationals currently boasts an MLB-best 14-4 record, and will be hosting the rebuilding Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game series next. While their true test is just around the corner with upcoming an upcoming road trip that will feature the likes of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Chicago Cubs, the Nats have impressed thus far. They have displayed the ability to overcome late deficits, as evidenced by their late surge in Sunday’s tilt with Minnesota, as well as lights out pitching when it’s needed most.

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Give Dusty Baker credit, he’s really getting everything he can out of this team. They have put the pedal to the floor and haven’t looked back. If the Nats can continue to come up big in clutch situations, they will have no problem battling with the best teams in the league.

After their disappointing season in 2015, it isn’t very surprising to see the team come out of the gate with such fiery determination. For now, the Washington Nationals are firing on all cylinders, and it doesn’t look like they plan on stopping anytime soon.