Washington Nationals Make D.C. Baseball History

For SB Nation DC's Nationals editor Patrick Reddington, the Nats' return to the postseason was a long time coming, in more ways than one.

Why The Nationals (Lack Of) Celebration Was Just Fine With Us

The Last Time A D.C. Baseball Team Made The Postseason ...

Dodgers Vs. Nationals: Washington Clinches Postseason Berth With 4-1 Win

The Washington Nationals are headed to the postseason for the first time in their D.C. history, clinching a spot with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night. The Nats can now do no worse than the second Wild Card spot.

Ross Detwiler (10-6) was fantastic on the mound yet again, pitching six innings and allowing just one run. Detwiler has been one of the steadier pitchers in the game all season and Thursday was no different. He gave up just three hits while striking out five during his six innings. The only blemish was a Mark Ellis solo homer to lead off the fourth.

On offense, the Nats lineup got to Los Angeles starer Chris Capuano with back-to-back two-run rallies in the third and fourth. Ryan Zimmerman, who received his third cortisone shot of the season this week, doubled home Bryce Harper to break the scoreless tie. Zimmerman eventually scored on a Capuano wild pitch that made it 2-0.

One inning later, it was Danny Espinosa who came through with the RBI double, driving in Ian Desmond. Espinosa would also eventually score on a Kurt Suzuki sac fly, and with Detwiler cruising, the Nationals would never look back. Christian Garcia, Ryan Mattheus, and Drew Storen cleaned up the final three innings without incident.

The win also clinched the series after Wednesday's split in the doubleheader. Milwaukee, who's suddenly in the Wild Card discussion, comes to town on Friday for a weekend series. Edwin Jackson will take the hill for Washington on Friday while the Brewers will counter with Shaun Marcum.

For more on the Nationals, please be sure to check out our blog Federal Baseball and SB Nation DC for all the latest news and updates.

Dodgers Vs. Nationals: Ross Detwiler Starts As Nationals Try To Wrap Up Postseason Spot

With the Washington Nationals just one win away from clinching the franchise's first postseason berth since 1981, and the first for a Washington D.C. baseball team since 1933, manager Davey Johnson has sent out his best lineup to back up Ross Detwiler.

As for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Don Mattingly's squad sits two games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second National League Wild Card spot. They will send Chris Capuano to the mound. The full lineups are below.

Los Angeles Dodgers (77-72)

1. Mark Ellis, 2B

2. Shane Victorino, LF

3. Matt Kemp, CF

4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B

5. Hanley Ramirez, SS

6. Andre Ethier, RF

7. Luis Cruz, 3B

8. A.J. Ellis, C

9. Chris Capuano, P

Washington Nationals (90-58)

1. Jayson Werth, RF

2. Bryce Harper, CF

3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B

4. Adam LaRoche, 1B

5. Michael Morse, LF

6. Ian Desmond, SS

7. Danny Espinosa, 2B

8. Kurt Suzuki, C

9. Ross Detwiler, P

Tonight's game begins at 7:05 and will be aired on MASN. Areas outside MASN's footprint can catch the game on the MLB Network. The game can also be heard on 106.7 The Fan, WFHS 1580 AM and WFED 1500 AM.

For more on the Nationals, please be sure to check out our blog Federal Baseball and SB Nation DC for all the latest news and updates.

PHOTO: This Blown Call Cost The Nationals A Run Wednesday Night

Dodgers Vs. Nationals Final Score: Los Angeles Wins A Wild One, 7-6

The Washington Nationals will have to wait another night to clinch a playoff berth after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-6, in the second game of their Wednesday doubleheader.

The game looked out of reach, with Washington trailing 6-0 heading into the bottom of the eighth. Incredibly, the Nats were able to come alive, tying the game on home runs from Steve Lombardozzi and Michael Morse, along with a Bryce Harper RBI single and a two-RBI single by Morse.

Unfortunately, the euphoria was short-lived for the Nationals. Matt Kemp hit a solo blast in the top of the ninth, propelling the Dodgers to a much-needed victory.

John Lannan didn't give his teammates much of a chance after having a very rough outing. Lannan was knocked around early and often at Nationals Park, surrendering six runs on eight hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.

For more on the Nationals, please be sure to check out our blog Federal Baseball and SB Nation DC for all the latest news and updates.

Dodgers Vs. Nationals: Danny Espinosa Held Out Of Washington Lineup For Game 2

After going 2-for-4 in the Washington Nationals' 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first game of Wednesday's old-fashioned doubleheader, Danny Espinosa has been held out of the nightcap by manager Davey Johnson. The only other lineup change Johnson's made is at catcher, where Jesus Flores replaces Kurt Suzuki.

The full lineups:

Los Angeles Dodgers (76-72)

1. Mark Ellis, 2B

2. Shane Victorino, LF

3. Matt Kemp, CF

4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B

5. Hanley Ramirez, SS

6. Andre Ethier, RF

7. Luis Cruz, 3B

8. Matt Treanor, C

9. Josh Beckett, P

Washington Nationals (90-57)

1. Jayson Werth, RF

2. Bryce Harper, CF

3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B

4. Adam LaRoche, 1B

5. Michael Morse, LF

6. Ian Desmond, SS

7. Steve Lombardozzi, 2B

8. Jesus Flores, C

9. John Lannan, P

For more updates on this story, stay tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation DC. For all the latest news and analysis on the Washington Nationals, visit Federal Baseball.Baseball Nation is your source for news and analysis around Major League Baseball.

Nationals Vs. Dodgers Final Score: Washington Beats L.A. In Game 1 Of Doubleheader

The Washington Nationals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers, 3-1, in the first game of their Wednesday doubleheader. Jordan Zimmermann was on the mound for the Nats through the first six innings and gave up the only Dodgers run on six hits. Washington then went through four relief pitchers to finish out the game.

Kurt Suzuki hit a sacrifice fly to right field to open the scoring in the second inning, and Ryan Zimmerman plated the Nationals' second run of the game with a groundout to second base that scored Bryce Harper in the fifth. Tyler Moore brought in an insurance run with a groundout in the sixth inning that scored Ian Desmond.

The Dodgers' only run came from Hanley Ramirez's RBI single in the third inning. Ramirez was 2-for-4 on the day.

For more updates on this story, stay tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation DC. For all the latest news and analysis on the Washington Nationals, visit Federal Baseball. Baseball Nation is your source for news and analysis around Major League Baseball.

Dodgers Vs. Nationals: Danny Espinosa In Lineup For Doubleheader Opener

Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa will be in the lineup for Game 1 of a double header against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. Espinosa was diagnosed with a bruise inside his shoulder on Tuesday and was questionable to play.

Here is the rest of the projected starting lineups for Game 1 via BaseballPress.com:

Nationals

1. Jayson Werth (R) RF
2. Bryce Harper (L) CF
3. Ryan Zimmerman (R) 3B
4. Adam LaRoche (L) 1B
5. Michael Morse (R) LF
6. Ian Desmond (R) SS
7. Danny Espinosa (S) 2B
8. Kurt Suzuki (R) C
9. Jordan Zimmermann (R) P

Dodgers

1. Mark Ellis (R) 2B
2. Andre Ethier (L) RF
3. Matt Kemp (R) CF
4. Adrian Gonzalez (L) 1B
5. Hanley Ramirez (R) SS
6. Shane Victorino (S) LF
7. Luis Cruz (R) 3B
8. A.J. Ellis (R) C
9. Aaron Harang (R) P

First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m., ET.

For more updates on this story, stay tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation DC. For all the latest news and analysis on the Washington Nationals, visit Federal Baseball.

Ryan Zimmerman Injury: Third Baseman Gets Cortisone Shot, Likely To Have Offseason Surgery

Ryan Zimmerman received another cortisone shot in his shoulder and manager Davey Johnson said it's likely the Nationals third baseman will need arthroscopic surgery after the season. Zimmerman has been bothered by the shoulder all season, but went on a tear at the plate earlier in the second half after receiving a cortisone shot. This will be the third such shot of the season for him, with the pain particularly acute in June.

The shoulder will keep him out of the second game in Washington's Wednesday doubleheader against the Dodgers.

In addition to Zimmerman, Johnson also said he'd likely play Michael Morse and Danny Espinosa, who are also battling injury issues, in just the first game. First pitch of the day is set for 4:05 p.m. ET at Nationals park.

For more updates on this story, stay tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation DC. For all the latest news and analysis on the Washington Nationals, visit Federal Baseball.

2012 MLB Standings: Nats Still Hold Lead In The National League

The Washington Nationals are in the home stretch of the 2012 Major League Baseball season, but seem to only have a slightly firm grip on their lead in the National League standings.

The Nats have gone just 5-5 in their last 10 contests and are currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak. As a result, they sit just 5.5 games ahead of the second-place Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings.

The Braves are currently leading the Wild Card standings and gained some ground on the Nats in the division when they swept them over the weekend in Atlanta. But even with those losses, the Nationals still remain atop the National League Division standings with the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants following close behind.

The Nationals host the Los Angeles Dodgers this week, who enter the series trying to move up in the Wild Card standings. LA is just 1.5 games back of the St. Louis Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot and they could be a real threat to the Nats beginning with their double-header on Wednesday afternoon.

For more on the Nats, head over to Federal Baseball, and continue to check out SB Nation DC for the latest news and updates.

Dodgers Vs. Nationals Preview: Game Time, TV Schedule, And More

After storms blanketed the Washington area on Tuesday, the Nationals were forced to postpone their series opener against the Dodgers. The teams will now play a Wednesday doubleheader at Nats Park, with Jordan Zimmermann taking his turn in the rotation. Zimmermann will now pitch on a full week's rest and try to stop a a three-game losing streak against another contending team.

The Dodgers will send Aaron Harang to the mound as they look to stay on the heels of the Cardinals in the NL Wild Card. Harang is 9-9 with a 3.79 ERA this season and this will be his first start against the Nats. He's been a steady starter for Don Mattingly in the second half, consistently pitching five innings and not allowing more than three runs in his last six starts.

The second game will feature a pitching matchup between Josh Beckett and John Lannan. Beckett is 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA since coming over from the Red Sox. He hasn't made the impact that the Dodgers expected, but he gave up only one earned run in his last outing. Lannan is making his second start since taking Stephen Strasburg's spot in the rotation. He took a shutout into the sixth inning against the Mets last week, and his experience should help him make a seamless transition back into the rotation for the stretch run.

It's a single-admission doubleheader with first pitch in Game 1 set for 4:05 p.m. ET, and the second game scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. MASN will have the broadcast.

For more on the Nats, head over to Federal Baseball, and continue to check out SB Nation DC for the latest news and updates.

Doubleheader Creates Nats' Need For Sunday Spot Starter

To avoid pitching anyone on short rest, the Washington Nationals will have to turn to a sixth starter for Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Tuesday night's postponed game against the Los Angeles Dodgers has forced the Nationals into a doubleheader on Wednesday. That doubleheader will see Jordan Zimmermann pitch on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, which means in order to pitch on Sunday, he would have to come back on short rest, which is something manger Davey Johnson is looking to avoid.

Zimmermann has never pitched on less than regular rest and with his shoulder history, the Nationals certainly won't make that move now explained Johnson:

Because of the postponement, the Nationals will need a sixth starter to pitch on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers to avoid using anyone on short rest. Right-handers Craig Stammen and Chien-Ming Wang, as well as left-hander Zach Duke are all candidates to make that start.

And before anyone suggests the Nats just bring back ace Stephen Strasburg, Johnson is one step ahead of you:

I’m sure (Strasburg) would volunteer. He is right-handed.

For more on the Nats, head over to Federal Baseball, and continue to check out SB Nation DC for the latest news and updates.

Danny Espinosa Injury: Nats Second Baseman Has Cortisone Shot, Could Play Wednesday

Washington Nationals 2B Danny Espinosa was diagnosed with a bruise inside his shoulder capsule, received a cortisone shot on Monday, and may be available to play on Wednesday. Espinosa said he injured the shoulder on Sept. 8 while diving for a ball and has struggled with it since that point.

Espinosa said he hurt his shoulder 9/8 diving for a ball. Since the next day, he's hit 2 for 25 with 12 Ks. Said he had "zero strength."

— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) September 18, 2012

Espinosa underwent an MRI on Tuesday and the Nationals were concerned about the test revealing more significant damage, but luckily only the bruise was found.

When Espinosa went for the MRI, he feared he would have a torn labrum or rotator cuff. The capsule bruise was a huge relief for him.

— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) September 18, 2012

Now between the diagnosis and the postponed Tuesday game, Espinosa may not miss any time at all.

For more on the Nats, head over to Federal Baseball, and continue to check out SB Nation DC for the latest news and updates.

Dodgers Vs. Nationals: Tuesday's Game Rained Out, Wednesday Doubleheader Scheduled

The Washington Nationals series opener with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night has been postponed due to rain. The game will now take place at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday as part of a doubleheader along with the previously scheduled 7:05 p.m. game.

Dodgers at Nationals game ppd by rain. 4 pm and 7 pm doubleheader tomorrow.

— Howard Fendrich (@HowardFendrich) September 18, 2012

Heavy rains occurred throughout the day on Tuesday in Washington, and with more expected on Tuesday night the decision was made to push the game back and play two on Wednesday. The Nationals don't plan to alter their pitching rotation.

#Nats #Dodgers postponed. Davey said straight doubleheader tomorrow starting at 4 pm. Zimmermann starts opener, Lannan starts nightcap.

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) September 18, 2012

Jordan Zimmermann was scheduled to pitch on Tuesday night and will just slide into the starting role for Wednesday's early game.

For more on the Nats, head over to Federal Baseball, and continue to check out SB Nation DC for the latest news and updates.

Dodgers Vs. Nationals: Washington Returns Home With Eyes On Postseason

The Washington Nationals look to right the ship and end their current three-game losing streak as they begin a series with the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday.