Denard Span providing boost for Nationals
By Will Perry
In the past 35 games, Denard Span is hitting .394 and has reached base successfully in every nine-inning contest. His role as the Washington Nationals’ lead-off hitter has paid dividends for the team, who has seen Span average two hits per game in the second half of the streak, according an article from ESPN.
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The article also pointed out that Span’s fly ball and line drive rate have switched during the streak. Span has fueled the first-place Washington Nationals, who hope that he can keep up his high quality of play throughout the rest of the regular season and the playoffs.
During the streak, Span’s performance against lefty pitchers is above his career averages. Being the lead-off hitter, Span needs to be able to hit right-handers or left-handers. This season he’s proved he can do that.
With solid young talent built up over the years and the play of contributing veterans, the Nationals are in a great position to make a deep playoff run. Bryce Harper is maturing more everyday, and the pitching of ace Douglas Fister gives the team options down the road.
An aging Jayson Werth along with fellow veteran Adam LaRoche have provided consistent offense throughout the season. The experience these players bring serves as a stabilizing force in the clubhouse.