It took 81 games — exactly half the season — but the Washington Nationals have hoisted themselves above the .500 mark with their latest win at Detroit.
The Nationals have not had a winning record since being 9-8 on April 18. But with their current four-game winning streak, they’ve dragged themselves all the way back up the standings after sitting at a dismal 19-31 through their first 50 games.
Washington also has gone 9-2 in its last 11 contests and 12-5 in its last 17.
Once neck-and-neck with the Miami Marlins for last in the National League East, the Nationals have now passed the New York Mets (37-46) for third in the division.