Nationals Push for Wild Card | Washington Nationals News

**Corey** (0:00)
On July 25th, the Nationals are treating their current series against the D-backs, like the playoffs, aiming to win every single game. They've already won 19 series this season, showing they can compete. This weekend's matchup is crucial for their wildcard hopes, as they're facing a team directly ahead of them in the standings. Manager Blake Butera emphasized the importance of these games, saying they're doing everything possible to secure wins. He knows how vital it is to gain ground against teams they're competing with for a playoff spot. The D-backs started Friday, holding the third wildcard position, just ahead of a cluster of teams, including the Nationals. Despite the high stakes, the team is trying to balance the pressure with their usual approach. They want to play loose and free, but acknowledge the extra edge that comes with these meaningful games. Player Dylan Crews echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to win close games, which is what good teams do.
The Nationals lost the series opener by a narrow margin, with their offense only managing a two-run homer.
This loss highlights their struggle in one-run games, where they now stand at 13 wins and 14 losses. Their row performance has been strong, but they need to improve their home record to truly contend. Ultimately, the team believes that if they stick to their game plan and focus on winning series, the results will follow.
They have two more games in this series to make a significant impact on their playoff chances, and gain valuable experience for future postseason runs. Washington Nationals News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on and off the field. I'm Corey with the story.