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Nationals: Nats Excel at All Three Facets of the Game in Win Over Mets

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May 18, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) and Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Nationals defeated the Mets 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) and Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Nationals defeated the Mets 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Lineup Switch Paying Early Dividends

While the team has been leaning heavily on the successes of the pitching staff and bats of Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy, the rest of the lineup came through Wednesday in exciting fashion. Manager Dusty Baker swapped Jayson Werth and Anthony Rendon in the order prior to Tuesday’s contest, testing the players’ comfort level in new spots after their disappointing starts to the season.

The early returns for the lineup switch are encouraging. Werth reached base five times yesterday, drawing three walks and scoring three times. He swiped his first base of the season and did not record an out. Werth expressed his thoughts on the switch, explaining how he felt more involved in the No. 2 spot.

"“Maybe it’s Bryce hitting behind me,” Werth said. “… When the pitcher releases the ball, you try not to think. As far as that goes, I think pitch to pitch, regardless if you hit second or sixth or whatever, it shouldn’t be that much different. I feel like I’ve been in the flow of the game again, and it’s been a different feel, so it’s been good.” (h/t Bill Ladson, MLB.com)"

On the other end of the switch, Anthony Rendon had quite the day as well. He went 2-3 with two RBIs, a run scored, and two walks. Rendon was expected to be an anchor at the top of the order, setting the table for Bryce Harper. Instead, he’s struggled mightily and has seemingly lost his power stroke from 2014. However, there is no doubt that the talent is still there, and a drop in the lineup may be all Rendon needs to regain his form.

Next: Dominance Out of the 'Pen

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