Nationals move to 2 games over .500 after taking series from Guardians on the road

The Nationals moved above .500 and extended their success to stand at 29-27 heading into Wednesday. They aim to sweep a series in Cleveland, which would require continued strong play. James Wood has hit homers in both games against the Guardians, raising his season total to 15 and posting a .964 OPS. His recent inside-the-park grand slam and current production position him as a likely All-Star outfield candidate and potential MVP contender if the team keeps winning. Cade Cavalli rebounded from early struggles, allowing 5 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 7 and walking 2. He delivered a third consecutive quality start and is developing into a key rotation piece for the future.

"Heading into Wednesday, the Nationals now stand at 29-27, and the good times just continue to roll for Blake Butera's club. Make no mistake about it, the Nationals would love to become the second road team to finish a series sweep in the city of Cleveland this week, but they will certainly have to earn it. However, if things can go any similar way to how the first 2 games have gone in this series, they might just pull it off and head back home 3 games above .500 before taking on San Diego."

"As if the man who hit an inside-the-park grand slam just last week needed more validation, Wood has caught fire in recent weeks. He has homered in both games against the Guardians, and is now up to 15 overall to accompany his .964 OPS, one of the best marks in baseball. At this point, Wood is likely a frontrunner to occupy a starting outfield spot in the All-Star Game for the National League, and hopefully he won't be the only member of the team to make the team and possibly even start."

"We also need to talk about Cade Cavalli, who has completely rebounded from some tough outings early on this season. On Wednesday, he allowed just 5 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 7 and walking just 2 batters. It was the righty's 3rd consecutive quality start, and he is blossoming into the ace so many have wanted him to be. Given the recent performance of the rotation overall, Cavalli's continued development into a middle of the rotation or even frontline arm will be huge for the next generation of the Nationals' rotation."

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