Nationals vs. Phillies: Danny Espinosa and Wilson Ramos lead Washington to win – The Post
Nationals striving to finish above .500 after latest victory over Phillies – The Wash. Times
What a minute? The Washington Nationals just took the lead in the overall season series of the Philadelphia Phillies with one game to play? American Hero John Lannan earned a win in Philadelphia? Wow. I won’t be buying the Ombudsman a half-smoke this year. If the Nats win tonight, he’ll have to buy me a cheesesteak. But that can’t happen, no way the Nats can take a four game series from the Phillies — even the AAA version that they’ve been putting out.* No way they can go 6-1 to claim a winning record either.

Lannan also won his 10th game of the year, his first 10 win season. I thought he was destined to finish with 9 wins every year.

Danny Espinosa and Wilson Ramos both homered in the Nats 7-5 win. These rookies have been critical to the Nats improvement this season. Despite being in a prolonged slump since hte All-Star break, Espinosa has the highest WAR on the team and has set a club record for home runs by a rookie with 21.

The Nats have won a stunning 8 of 10 over the Phillies, who you have to figure are due. Tonight, rookie Brad Peacock faces Roy Oswalt, a mismatch to be sure.

Nationals’ prospects for rotation in ‘12 present pleasant problem – The Wash. Times
The Nats have a glut of young pitching and it has been performing well this month. That’s weird to type, but I am delighted to do so. Figuring out the last two spots won’t be easy for the Nats if you assume that Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann and Lannan are locks for the rotation.

*The Nats aren’t using their optimum line up either