LaRoche's hot streak, lengthy experience a huge benefit as Nats get closer to division title

The Nationals' magic number is down to nine after Thursday's 6-2 win over the Mets. Following a loss to the Braves, the Nationals bounced back with a quick win. They have done this time and again this season, where they follow a loss with a victory, eliminating the possibility of a losing streak. The hottest hitter in the National League, Adam LaRoche, set the tone with a monster shot that hit way up on the foul pole in the first inning. The two-run homer came with two outs in the inning, providing Tanner Roark and the Nationals with an instant boost and a chance to get rolling. It was LaRoche's 24th homer of the season, the fifth season in which he has hit at least 24 home runs in his career. He was asked this week how he feels at the plate. "Good. But not great," he said. Imagine when he feels great. LaRoche has five homers in his last eight games. The Nationals love to hit home runs on the road. They have hit a home run on the road in 16 straight games and have launched 34 homers away from home since Aug. 1, according to STATS. The club has done a really good job of playing well on the road. Citi Field was more than half-empty Thursday night, and the Nationals have turned it into Nats Park North with 26 wins in their last 30 games there, including 12 straight. I go back to my impression of the team playing at Citi Field on opening day, when the Nats rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the second inning and a 5-4 disadvantage in the eighth to score one in the ninth and win 9-7 in 10 innings before 42,442. LaRoche hit his first homer of the season in that game. Just like Thursday, that homer came in his first at-bat in the second inning off of Dillon Gee, and it also was a two-run shot. LaRoche was batting in the seven-hole in that game. With the pitching doing so well and the defense making plays, the offense seemed to be the only facet that wasn't carrying its weight when the Nationals were playing .500 baseball. That has all changed now. If the Nationals can get consistent offense in October, and that is a big if against top-flight competition, they could have something very special happen. Also, if Ryan Zimmerman and his strained right hamstring can return for a possible postseason (he is on this long trip with the team, which is a big indication that he is feeling much better), the Nationals bench gets incredibly strong with Asdrubal Cabrera the top substitute. At least that's what I envision - the Nats putting Zimmerman at third base upon his return. I just don't see Bryce Harper being platooned. Concern for Zimmerman's fielding ability at third base will not outweigh his importance in the batter's box and experience of many years in pro baseball. Something that LaRoche is demonstrating right now.