Thanks, I needed that

After losing 11 out of their last 15 and all of their lead in the National League East and after being embarrassed by a blowout the night before, the Nationals badly needed a win last night, and Willie Taveras and Tony Armas gave it to them. With one out in the first inning and Wilkerson on first, Jose Guillen hit a ground rule double that put men on first and third. Ryan Church then popped out and Preston Wilson walked to load the bases. When Carlos Baerga hit a fly ball to center, it seemed like the Nats were ready to squander another scoring opportunity. But Taveras came in on the ball before he realized that it was over his head. By then he couldn't get to the ball, and Baerga had a gift bases-clearing double. Brian Schneider then singled home Baerga for all of the runs the Nationals would score and it was 4-0.

Armas pitched brilliantly, giving up only one hit in seven innings. Unfortunately, the one hit was a two-run homer in the sixth by Lance Berkman, but Armas otherwise didn't allow a batter to get to second base.

After Armas left the game, Joey Eischen did his job in the top of the eighth--he let the only batter to whom he pitched get to first base. Orlando Palmeiro singled to center and Eischen was done. Gary Majewski retired the three batters he faced, and it was on to Chad Cordero. The Chief allowed two singles, but retired the next two batters for his 34th save.

You can look on the dark side, and say had Taveras not misplayed Baerga's fly ball in the first, the Braves would be a game ahead of the Nationals, but since wins have been so hard to come by why be so negative? The Nats got a win they badly needed and remain tied with the Braves for the lead in the National League East. With John Patterson pitching today, the Nationals have a chance to put together back-to-back wins for the first time since July 3. Here's hoping Patterson pitches another gem.