Washington Nationals: Takeaways From Huge Win Over Cubs

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Jun 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) celebrates with Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) after hitting the game-winning single against the Chicago Cubs in the twelfth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Nationals Make A Big Statement

After getting swept in Chicago in early May, this three game set was important to the Nationals for many reasons, and they played some great baseball. Starting with Max Scherzer Monday night, and going all the way to Jayson Werth’s walk off on Wednesday night, the Nats played about as well as they can against an outstanding Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Wednesday afternoon’s win made a big statement that the Nationals can not only compete and beat the Cubs, but they are clearly among the elite teams in Major League Baseball. When you are able to come back, against a very respectable bullpen like that, it shows there is some kind of special fight in this team that is never going to go away.

After Anthony Rendon was ejected, the Cubs had taken all the momentum, but the Nationals got it right back as Danny Espinosa got on base and made things happen. Danny continues to come up big and find different ways to contribute to the ball club every single game.

Wilson Ramos, Michael Taylor, and Jayson Werth all delivered huge hits in the clutch, which is just not something we are used to seeing over the past few years. The starting pitching was also outstanding, and the Nationals showed in this series with the Cubs, their starters can match up with anybody and have a great shot.

Next: Washington Nationals Recap: Nats Beat Cubs on Jayson Werth Walk-off in the 12th

Yes, it is still only the middle of June, but if this series is a playoff preview, we look to be in for an oustanding series. With now a 5- game lead over the New York Mets, and only five games back of the Cubs for the best record in baseball, the Nationals will try to take this momentum to the West Coast and keep it going this weekend in San Diego.