The path was different this time, very different. There was no division title, no early September clinch, no chance to turn on the cruise control and enjoy the nice, smooth ride to the postseason. No, this time the Nationals had to earn it. They had to come all the way back from a 19-31 start that left more than a few observers wondering if major changes were about to take place. They had to go on a remarkable run that saw them play at a .645 clip for four full months that still wasn't enough...

Surprisingly, the Phillies were able to score quickly against Nationals starter Max Scherzer. After recording an out to open the game, Scherzer walked Logan Morrison. Jean Segura followed with a single to third baseman Anthony Rendon. With two men on, Brad Miller blasted a three-run homer to center field. His ninth homer of the season came on an 0-1 pitch. It was the first time Scherzer had allowed a three-run homer since April 4, 2018 against Preston Tucker. Yan Gomes got the Nats on the board...

TORONTO - The Orioles posted a lineup today that included Anthony Santander and Hanser Alberto, but when Toronto changed pitchers, manager Brandon Hyde changed his lineup. Toronto scratched its scheduled starter, lefty Anthony Kay, due to a back issue and replaced him with lefty Thomas Pannone. "They scratched their starter about 5 o'clock," Hyde said. "They're going to go with a bullpen day and we figured the majority of the pitchers behind him will be right-handed relievers. So I assume...

The Orioles have made multiple changes to tonight's lineup in Toronto. The Blue Jays scratched their starting pitcher. Write down everything in pencil. In an apparent response to the hosts replacing left-hander Anthony Kay with left-hander Thomas Pannone, if that makes sense, the Orioles have removed shortstop Richie Martin, third baseman Hanser Alberto and right fielder Anthony Santander from their lineup with less than two hours remaining before first pitch. Jonathan Villar moves from second...

Well, here we go. The Nationals took care of business this afternoon. Now, if they can take care of business again tonight, and if the Pirates can snap their long losing streak and extend the Cubs' long losing streak, there's going to be a celebration on South Capitol Street tonight. The Nationals can only take care of their own business and then hope the Pirates do their part. With that in mind, they'll happily send Max Scherzer to the mound for the nightcap. The ace looked like the ace...

Right-hander Joe Ross and five relievers lifted the Nationals to a crucial 4-1 win over the Phillies in Game 1 of this afternoon's doubleheader at Nats Park. The Nationals improved to 87-69 and reduced their magic number to clinch a playoff spot to two. They also eliminated the Phillies from postseason contention. Ross went four innings, wiggling out of a big jam in the first. He allowed a walk to start the game to César Hernández. Then three of the next four batters singled, including a...

TORONTO - At a time when the Orioles bullpen is struggling and often giving up leads, a pitcher that had been struggling previously is not anymore. At least not in a recent stretch of games. Right-hander Evan Phillips has now put together six straight scoreless appearances for the Orioles, the latest a two-inning stint last night when he pitched the fourth and fifth against Toronto. Over the six games, Phillips has thrown seven innings, allowing four hits with three walks and 10 strikeouts. It...

Austin Hays stays in center field tonight as the Orioles continue their series in Toronto. According to STATS, Hays became the first major league rookie last night to have at least five RBIs, a stolen base and an outfield assist in the same game since RBIs became an official stat in 1920. Trey Mancini is playing first base. He's batting .413 (19-for-46) with four home runs and 16 RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak. The streak is tied with infielder Hanser Alberto's 10-gamer from Aug. 11-21...

Nationals manager Davey Martinez will start Yan Gomes in Game 2 to catch right-hander Max Scherzer. This will allow Kurt Suzuki more time to rehab as he gets better from an elbow injury that has prevented him from starting since September 5. Raudy Read is starting game one for Joe Ross. "Yan will catch the second game," Martinez said. "I had a long conversation with Suzuki and Paul (Lessard) last night after the game. He's about 70-75 percent right now. And he's progressing so I'd rather...

TORONTO - After their marathon, 15-inning 11-10 loss to Toronto that ended early this morning, the Orioles and Blue Jays meet tonight in Game 2 of this series at Rogers Centre. It is also the second game of a season-ending six-game road trip that takes the Orioles to Boston beginning Friday. In yesterday's loss, Austin Hays went 3-for-8 with two homers, five RBIs and four strikeouts. He also made several outstanding catches in a game where all of his talents were on display. His three-run...