Once upon a time the Washington Nationals were the best team in Major League Baseball based on a 58-27 record from May 24 through Sept. 1. Now, none of that matters. A recent struggle through September has left the Nationals out of a chance of winning the NL East division. And a lead for the top NL wild card spot has now evaporated.
Following Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the woeful Miami Marlins and a 4-3 win by the Milwaukee Brewers, the Nationals are tied with Milwaukee for the top NL wild card spot.
The Nationals have stumbled with an 8-11 record since Sept. 2. Meanwhile, the Brewers have won 15 of their last 17 games. And Milwaukee has done so with 17 games in 17 days with no rest.
Washington (85-69) has eight games remaining on the schedule — five games against Philadelphia, including a doubleheader on Sept. 24, and three against Cleveland to close out the season. All of the eight will be at Nationals Park.
Milwaukee (86-70) has six games remaining on the season. All six games will be on the road with three at Cincinnati and three at Colorado to close the season.
Both teams have a four-game lead over the Chicago Cubs. The New York Mets are 4.5 games back, Philadelphia is 5.5 back and Arizona is six back.
For those wondering, thanks to the Brewers winning the season series against the Nationals 4-2, Milwaukee would host the NL Wild Card game in the event both teams finished with the same record.
The Nationals’ magic number is four to clinch a playoff berth. Milwaukee is three.
