Each weekend Half Smokes Heroes will pay some respect to a group or individual flying under the radar who has gone above and beyond the call of duty during the week.
↵Twice this season the Nationals have been forced to go to their bullpen early due to Stephen Strasburg being pulled early due to arm pain. In both situations, no one would have faulted the Nationals for a sloppy performance given such short notice. Instead, the Nationals' bullpen has come through with two of their best performances of the season. In the 13.2 innings the Nationals have been called into early action because of Strasburg injuries, the Nationals' bullpen has combined to give up only 7 hits and 0 runs.
↵The bullpen has been a big part of why the Nationals have seen improvement this year. For their impressive performances this year in the light of adversity, we give them this week's Half Smokes Heroes award.
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