District On Deck
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Washington Nationals are thankful Canadian nightmare is over

By Blake Finney

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 17: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals gets the force out of Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays but was not able turn the double play in the fourth inning during MLB game action at Rogers Centre on June 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 17: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals gets the force out of Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays but was not able turn the double play in the fourth inning during MLB game action at Rogers Centre on June 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Nationals are thankful that their Candian nightmare is over. The Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up a sweep against the Nats with an 8-6 victory.

The Washington Nationals had a nightmare in Canada over the weekend, as they were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays. In Sunday’s 8-6 loss, it was the long ball that made all the difference.

Nats pitchers gave up a season-high four home runs, two of them to old nemesis Randal Grichuck. No matter how many times the Nats rallied, the Blue Jays seemed to have a response.

The Nationals have given up the 10th fewest homers in the majors, so we can chalk this one up to playing at hitter-friendly Rogers Centre. But it was refreshing to see a positive offensive showing at the very least.

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The Nats scored six runs with the bottom of the order stepping up in this one. The last four spots in the lineup went 8 for 13, with three walks and scored four of the six runs.

Now it’s over to struggling stars Trea Turner and Bryce Harper to break out of their slump. If they can do that, then the offense has a real chance to become a force in the NL again.

Michael Taylor continues to run wild

Outfielder Michael Taylor ran riot on the basepaths during Sunday’s game, racking up an impressive four stolen bases. He now possesses an MLB leading 21 steals, overtaking team-mate Turner and Ender Inciarte.

His speed has never been in question, but his bat has and it’s really coming to life lately. He owns a nine-game hitting streak and during that time he’s hitting an impressive .424 and an OPS north of 1.000.

Although this is fueled by an unsustainable .435 BABIP, he has plenty of room to correct his poor luck earlier in the season. But with three walks and just five strikeouts in this spell, there’s definitely some positive growth at the plate.

Nats bullpen struggles to see out the game

The bullpen has been a strength of the Nationals lately, but on Sunday some of their key arms failed them. Justin Miller and Ryan Madson had been so reliable for the team, but both served up go-ahead runs in their appearances.

Miller’s outing, in particular, was out of character as he now has been scored upon in two straight appearances. After only allowing two hits before this series, he’s allowed three hits in his last two relief appearances.

Madson, on the other hand, had yet to allow a home run since joining the Nationals last July. But in this one, he served up homers to Yangervis Solarte and Teoscar Hernandez. This shouldn’t be anything to worry about going forward as he’s still only allowed runs in five of his 26 games this season.

Next: Extension for Harper slowly becoming more likely

The Washington Nationals can’t wait to leave Canada after a miserable weekend north of the border. More AL East foes await them, but back at home, they’ll look to right the ship and silence some doubters.

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