For the first time in four years, the Washington Nationals have kicked off a season with three straight wins. While not necessarily an indicator of success — the 2008 Nats dropped nine straight after winning their first three contests — every manager in baseball will stress how important it is to start the season on a high note.
After grinding out a grueling 2-0 win on Opening Day, the Nationals’ offense became a bat-wielding, power-hungry nightmare for the Cincinnati Reds’ pitching staff. Washington scored 19 runs over the final 18 innings of the series, smacking eight home runs and never once falling behind on the scoreboard.