Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 3-1 Loss To Indians

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Aug 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) hits a solo homer during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Nationals Park. The Cleveland Indians won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Werth’s Streak Continues

One of the surprises of this season for the Washington Nationals has been the play of Jayson Werth. Last night, Werth extended his record on-base streak to 39 games with a walk against Trevor Bauer in the bottom of the first. But, that wasn’t his best moment of the night.

With one out the bottom of the eighth, Werth had a good at-bat against Andrew Miller. After falling behind 1-2 in the count, Miller threw five consecutive sliders to Werth. On the fifth slider, the Washington Nationals left fielder took advantage of a rare mistake by Miller and hit the ball over the left field wall.

Coming into last night, Miller had given up only six home runs on the season and that Werth home run was just the second home run he has given up since July 2 and its only the ninth run the left-hander has given up all season.

Even though Werth has a .250 batting average on the season, he has been the best Washington Nationals player when it comes to hitting in the later innings. In the seventh inning or later, the 37-year-old is hitting .304 with eight home runs and 23 RBI’s.

If Trea Turner got on-base against Cody Allen in the bottom of the ninth last night, Werth would’ve had a chance to tie or win the game. While there is no guarantee he would’ve came through in the clutch, he is one of the players Nats fans should trust when he’s at the plate in those situations.

Next: Revere Makes Fantastic Catch

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