August signals the beginning of the end of the dog days of summer for the Nationals. Washington National Fans have only three things to look forward to: The intrigue of the new ball park, t-shirt Tuesdays and potential young stars emerging.
After breaking their second nine game losing streak of the season, fans had the pleasure of watching the Nationals Sweep the Cincinnati Reds this past weekend. With their current starting line up resembling more of a mash unit rather than the opening roster, the Nationals still have some fight left in them. Rookie pitching sensation Collin Balester held the Reds to one run in 5 1/3 innings to complete the sweep. Lastings Milledge hit his ninth homerun of the season to help power the Nationals to a win.
According to MASN broadcast, last week’s T-shirt Tuesday at the Nationals Park against the Phillies drew over 30,000 fans. Quite a jump in attendance! Most of these fans held out and stayed to watch the last out as the Washington Nationals lost a heart breaker, 2 to 1 to the Philadelphia Phillies.
As the fans come to the ballpark, there are a few up and coming players who give hope for the future. Ryan Zimmerman continues to develop and shine as their star third baseman. Will Lastings Milledge become the player the Nationals had put their hopes in after trading with the Mets giving up Ryan Church? Jesus Flores must produce as a clean up hitting catcher. Finally, the pitchers need to mature in game confidence to propel them into the 2009 season. As players recover from their numerous injuries, what will come first for the Nationals? A return from the disable list, or an end, to the dog days of summer.
