Don’t Say the “S” Word

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As anyone who has been following the Nationals this year already knows, the team has done a great job early in series so far. Washington is 11-5 in series openers in 2012, and 12-3 in the middle contest of three-game sets. But, for whatever reason, the Nationals have had trouble closing the deal. They are just 5-10 in series finales, and in possible sweep situations, they have failed in each of their first nine attempts (not including the rainout vs. Miami on April 22, which prevented the final game of the series from being played). The 10^th attempt at a sweep comes tonight, on national television, as part of a marquee pitching matchup against the division-rival Braves.

The Nationals will have their work cut out for them tonight, facing Brandon Beachy and his league-leading 1.77 ERA. But Washington’s 13-10 (.565) road record is the best in the National League, and with Gio Gonzalez (1.98 ERA, 3rd in NL) on the hill, you have to expect an intense, well-fought, low-scoring game for both sides. So, what do you think, Nats fans: is tonight the night?