Washington (34-36) has dropped three in a row and five of eight so far in their nine-game, three-city road trip, with one to play. The Nats fall to a season-worst two games below .500 and are tied with the Phillies (35-37) for second place in the NL East – seven games behind the Atlanta Braves (42-30).

The Nats had a golden opportunity to pick up as many as two games against the Braves, as Atlanta was swept by the New York Mets in a double-header, but Washington was not up to the task.

Detwiler (L, 2-5) looked sharp in his first five innings pitched, allowing just one run on three hits. But the Nats lefty, making just his second start off the disabled list, ran out of gas in the sixth inning, marring his final line. By the end of his night, Detwiler allowed four runs in 6.0 innings on seven hits — though he did not walk a batter and struck out four.

In the meantime, Jayson Werth put Washington out in front first, 1-0, in the fourth on a two-out solo home run off his former teammate.

The Phillies responded quickly in the bottom of the fourth after Michael Young led off with a double and advanced to third on a Jimmy Rollins sacrifice bunt. Ryan Howard quickly drove a sacrifice fly to right to bring home the tying run, but Detwiler finished off the inning by forcing Domonic Brown to line to first.

Both teams failed to score in the fifth, but in the sixth, the Phillies made their move.

After Ben Revere led off with a single, Young hit his second of three doubles on the night to plate Revere for the go-ahead run. Rollins followed up with a single before Howard was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Detwiler was able to bear down, regain composure, and strike out Brown and Delmon Young swinging, but light-hitting utility infielder Kevin Frandsen hit a sinking liner to left field that Steve Lombardozzi had to play on a short hop — after originally breaking back on the swing – to drive in Michael Young and Rollins, putting Philly on top 4-1.

The Nats managed only one more run – in the form of Jeff Kobernus’s first career homer – in the eighth inning. By that point, the game had landed into the hands of Washington’s relief corps, which provided near-perfect support as the Nats’ bats went quiet once again.

As for Lee (W, 9-2), in 8.0 innings pitched, he allowed just two runs on five hits and struck out nine.

THE GOOD: In the end, regardless of how poor the Nationals’ offense has been, Ross Detwiler did lose his spark in the sixth inning. Prior to that, however, he threw 55 of 85 pitches for strikes on the evening and allowed no walks.

Jeff Kobernus, at the least, deserves a tip of the cap for his first career home run. Kobernus entered the game to pinch-hit for Craig Stammen.

THE BAD: Almost like clockwork, the Nationals can’t seem to record a win when scoring fewer than five runs in a game. Unfortunately for Washington, run support has been a major challenge for the Nats as of late.

THE UGLY: The Nationals were 0-for-0 with runners in scoring position Tuesday night. That’s right, not a single batter stepped into the box with a runner on second or third… not once.

THE STATS: 2 R, 6 H, 9 K, 0-for-0 RISP, 4 LOB

NEXT GAME: Wednesday, 7:05 p.m against the Phillies. Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.40) vs. Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 3.76)

The Washington Capitals center was born on 06/17/1981 in Blaine, Minnesota, United States.

Happy Birthday to #26. Follow Hendy on Twitter and wish him a happy birthday.

Matt Hendricks – Washington Capitals practice at Kettler, 3/28/2013 (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Matt Hendricks during warmups at Verizon Center, May 2, 2012 (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Matt Hendricks fans during warmups at Verizon Center, May 2, 2012 (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Matt Hendricks and Craig Adams dropped the gloves early in the game, January 12, 2012 (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

It’s been a frustrating road trip for the Nats, who have managed to win three of seven thus far despite their offensive woes.

With former National John Lannan (ND, 0-1) on the mound for the Phillies, Washington had a legitimate shot at erasing memories of Sunday afternoon’s frustrating loss to the Cleveland Indians.

In fact, the Nats struck first – and early – against Lannan. With one out in the first inning, Anthony Rendon drew a walk before Ryan Zimmerman took first on a hit-by-pitch. Jayson Werth singled to left to drive in Rendon and give the Nats a 1-0 lead before Ian Desmond grounded into a double play to cut the inning short.

Unfortunately for Dan Haren (ND, 4-8), the Phillies quickly tied it up in the second via a Ryan Howard leadoff homer.

In the third, Michael Young tripled with one out before Jimmy Rollins and Howard drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. Delmon Young doubled with two outs and, to the Nats’ limited luck, Werth was able to throw out Howard at home to stop the bleeding. Nonetheless, the Phillies entered the fourth up 3-1.

The Nationals earned one back in the fourth, thanks to back-to-back doubles by Kurt Suzuki and Steve Lombardozzi, but it didn’t take long for the Phillies to erase their progress.

In the bottom of the fifth, Ben Revere led off with a single and stole second, only to score on a two-out Howard single to make it 4-2 Phillies.

With Mike Adams pitching for the Phils in the eighth, Zimmerman doubled and scored on a two-out Ian Desmond single to pull the Nats back within one.

Jonathan Papelbon took the mound in the ninth – with his perfect save record intact. That is, until Chad Tracy stepped to the plate with two outs.

On an 0-2 count, Tracy socked a 93 MPH two-seamer over the right field wall to tie the game, inciting cheers from the Nationals’ dugout and keeping alive hope for a Washington comeback.

Davey Johnson’s Nationals called upon Fernando Abad (L, 0-1) in the ninth and the 27-year-old delivered a series of pitches that could have very well sent the two teams into extras. He maintained great velocity on his four-seamer and took command of the strike zone, but somehow it just wasn’t enough.

Ben Revere hit a sharp liner up the middle, setting up prime opportunities for both Rollins and Domonic Brown to find a little luck at the plate. The sub-.280 hitters each hit bloop singles – with Brown delivering the walk-off hit to give the Phillies a 5-4 win and send the Nats below .500 once again.

THE GOOD: Ryan Zimmerman went 2-for-3 with a run scored. Ian Krol pitched a perfect seventh inning of relief and Tyler Clippard delivered a scoreless eighth.

THE BAD: Luck is not on the Nationals’ side – even when opportunities come their way, they can’t seem to capitalize. Despite becoming the first team this season to force Jonathan Papelbon to blow a save, they still came up empty – and he walked away with a blown-save-win instead.

THE UGLY: During this road stint thus far, the Nationals have won all three of the games in which they have scored five or more runs – but lost all four matchups in which they have tallied four or fewer.

THE STATS: 4 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 5 K, 3-for-9 RISP, 6 LOB

NEXT GAME: Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park – LHP Ross Detwiler (2-4, 3.02) returns to face LHP Cliff Lee (8-2, 2.55)

Danny Espinosa, 2B: The Nats injured second baseman is on a rehab stint with the Chiefs. He’s gone 2-for-9 this week with no extra base hits, four Ks and two walks.

Tyler Moore, OF/1B: Since being sent down by the Nats, Moore has continued his season-long struggles. He went 3-for-19 this week but making his few hits count with a double, homer and seven RBIs. He has struck out five times and has not drawn a walk. Season: .158/.182/.368 with one home run and 7 RBIs.

Corey Brown, OF: The left-handed hitting outfielder went 2-for-18 this week with two doubles and three RBIs and a whopping six strikeouts against two walks. Season: .250/.319/.528 with 10 HRs and 28 RBIs.

Eury Perez, OF: Perez went 6-for-21 this week with two multi-hit games, a home run and two stolen bases. He struck out three times and walked once. Season: .315/.338/.438 with four homers, 12 RBIs and 11 SBs.

Zach Walters, SS: Walters was named International League Batter of the Week as he picked it up this week average-wise after a miserable two-month start to the season. He went 11-for-19 with three doubles, three homers and seven RBIs with one K and no BBs. Season: .233/.265/.482 with 14 HRs and 32 RBIs.

Erik Davis, RHP: In his first appearance since being sent down, Davis got hammered Sunday pitching in relief. He gave up four earned runs on one hit and three walks, giving up a grand slam in the top of the 10th inning in Syracuse’s 8-4 loss to Toledo. Season: 1-3, 7 SVs, 4.21 with 30 Ks and 11 BBs in 25 2/3 innings.

Christian Garcia, RHP: On rehab from the big club, Garcia has made two appearances but has been shut down again with soreness in his shoulder after being out all season with a partially torn tendon in his right forearm. In three innings, Garcia has allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks, striking out four.

Danny Rosenbaum, LHP: Rosenbaum was lit up in his one start this week against Toledo, though he didn’t factor in the decision. In four innings, he allowed four earned runs on nine hits and three walks, striking out two. Season: 5-3, 3.75 in 13 starts with 41 Ks and 33 BBs in 72.0 IP.

HARRISBURG SENATORS
AA-EASTERN LEAGUE
Week: (5-1), Season (37-32, T-1 in IL West)

Brian Goodwin, OF: Goodwin went 5-for-21 this week with a triple and three RBIs. He struck out seven times and walked once. Season: .240/.346/.374 with four homers, 16 RIs and 13 SBs (8 CS).

Destin Hood, OF: Hood had a five-game hitting streak this weeks, going 7-for-20 with two doubles and an RBI. He struck out twice and walked once. Season: .249/.292/.373 with four homers, 28 RBIs and 4 SBs.

Sandy Leon, C: Leon went 5-for-15 with two doubles and an RBI this week. The switch-hitting catcher struck out twice and walked three times. Season: .235/.338/.350.

Taylor Jordan, RHP: The 24-year-old tall righty continued his breakout season, throwing a complete-game shutout Wednesday over Richmond. He allowed five hits and a walk to go along with his 11 Ks. Season (AA & AAA): 7-1, 0.93 with 68 Ks and 12 BBs in 77 1/3 IP.

POTOMAC NATIONALS
HIGH-A CAROLINA LEAGUE
Week: (6-1), Season: (42-27, 1st in CL North)

Michael Taylor, OF: Taylor had a five-game hitting streak this week, going 6-for-22 with a homer and three RBIs. He had 9 Ks and a BB and stole four bases. Season: .255/.337/.408 with six homers and 41 RBIs.

Billy Burns, OF: The speedster went 7-for-222 with an RBI, nine runs scored and six stolen bases. Season: .299/.428/.358 with no homers, 15 RBIs, 49 runs and 36 SBs.

Randolph Oduber, OF: Oduber went 5-for-22 with a double, four RBIs and a steal. He struck out seven times and drew two walks. Season: .251/.317/.377 with three homers, 28 RBIs and seven SBs (6 CS).

A.J. Cole, RHP: Cole was dominant in his start this week against Frederick. He allowed no runs on four hits and two walks over seven innings, striking out 10 in the process to earn the win. Season: 4-2, 4.16 with 82 Ks and 18 BBs in 71 1/3 innings over 13 starts.

Robbie Ray, LHP: The lefty made two starts this week on diametrically opposite ends of the spectrum. Tuesday he won, allowing one earned run on just two hits, though he gave up four walks. He struck out seven over seven innings. Sunday he had a rough go of it against Frederick. He gave up six earned runs on six hits (including three homers) and two walks, striking out five. Season: 5-2, 2.22 with 88 Ks and 33 BBs in 69 innings over 13 starts.

Sammy Solis, LHP: The big lefty was put on the seven-day disabled list with ”general shoulder soreness”. Solis missed all of 2012 due to Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. Season: 0-0, 3.38 with nine Ks and five BBs in 16 innings over four starts.

HAGERSTOWN SUNS
LOW-A SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE
Week: (5-3, 1 PPD), Season: (38-29, T-1 in SALLY North)

Tony Renda, 2B: Week: 7-for-29 with a double. 6 Ks and 4 BBs. Season: .291/.355/.415 with one homer, 27 RBIs and 13 SB (2 CS).

Brandon Miller, OF: Week: 8-for-29 with four doubles, one homer and eight RBIs. Season: .253/.310/.510 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs, 85 Ks and 17 BBs.

Matt Purke, LHP: Two starts this week for Purke as he continues to build up arm strength. Tuesday: 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 8 K, 2 HRs. Sunday: 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K.

Robert Benincasa, RHP: 2 1/3 IP with a save in three games. Struck out five and no walks, hits or runs. Season: 0-1, 2.57 with 10 saves, 30 Ks and 5 BBs.

NATS TOP PROSPECTS FOR 2013

1. Anthony Rendon, 3B/2B – MLB

Rendon, 23, was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2011 draft and is a natural hitter with lightning quick wrists and developing doubles power to both gaps. He’s a potential Gold Glove caliber defensive player at third base and is learning to play second base at the Major League level to good reviews thus far.

2. Brian Goodwin, OF — AA

A 22-year-old center fielder, Goodwin was the 34th overall pick in the 2011 draft out of Miami Dade South CC. Possessing good power, speed and plate discipline, Goodwin is a capable defender in center and would be above average in left field if he ends up there. Went .280/.384/.469 between Hagerstown and Harrisburg in 2012.

3. A.J. Cole, RHP — HI-A

Returned to the Nats in the Michael Morse deal, Cole (6’4″, 180) is a 21-year-old right hander that profiles as a mid-rotation starter with the potential for All-Star stuff. He’s got a huge fastball (96-MPH) with good movement, a slurvy curveball that can be league average and good feel for his changeup at an early age.

4. Lucas Giolito, LHP — A, INJ

Giolito was seen as the top high school arm in his draft class and ended up with the Nats with the 16th overall pick in 2012 due to injury concerns as he missed his senior year of high school with a sprained UCL. The giant righty (6’6″, 230) made one two inning appearance last season for the Nats Gulf Coast team before being shut down and eventually had Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow in August. He boasts a plus fastball in the upper 90s, a power curve and a solid change-up.

5. Matt Skole, 3B/1B — AA, INJ

Skole was a 5th Round pick in 2011 and all he’s done since signing with the Nats out of Georgia Tech is mash the baseball. In 119 games between Hagerstown and Potomac last year the 6’4″, 220 left-handed batter hit 27 homers and drove in 104, hitting .291/.426/.559. Slated for Harrisburg this year, he injured his left elbow in a freak collision which required Tommy John surgery and is out for the season.

6. Nate Karns, RHP — AA

Another big (6’3″, 230) right handed starter, Karns has a nice fastball and good command over his other pitches, but none really profile as plus pitches at the big league level. He’s a shoulder injury survivor (torn labrum in 2011) so it’s easy to root for him, but the former 12th round pick probably has a ceiling at the back of a rotation or in the pen. But he’s got a big league arm.

7. Sammy Solis, LHP – HI-A

The massive (6’5, 230) 24-year old left-hander was the Nats 2nd round pick in the 2010 draft, with a projection for a quick path to the Majors out of U. of San Diego, but Tommy John surgery delayed his path after the 10 starts in 2011. Owns a 3.75 K/BB ratio in 23 minor league starts.

8. Matt Purke, LHP — LO-A

Purke, 22, was the Nats 3rd round pick in 2011 out of TCU, where is final season was limited by bursitis in his left shoulder, which resulted in his drop in the draft. National Freshman of the year, he was drafted and thought he had a deal with the Rangers but the deal was disallowed due to the Rangers ownership questions at the time. He’s possesses and above-average fastball and slider and has shown feel for the changeup.

9. Chris Marrero, 1B — MLB

It’s easy to forget Marrero is only 24. The often-injured right-handed first baseman is a natural hitter with gap power with impressive plate discipline. A capable defender at first base, he might not put up big home run totals in the Major Leagues, but his hit tool (.286/.353/.456 career MiLB) is real.

10. Eury Perez, OF — AAA

Signed as am undrafted free agent in 2007, Perez’ best tool is his off-the-chart speed. He’s stolen over 160 bases in three-plus seasons in the minors. He’s a smart runner and puts good use to his speed in center field, where he’s proven to be capable with the possibility of spectacular. Unlike many speedsters, though, Perez also has a plus arm. Perez is a slap-hitter at the plate and his career MiLB OBP is just a few ticks over his batting average, so plate discipline is an issue and question as he moves up the ladder.

11. Tony Renda, 2B — LO-A
12. Robbie Ray, LHP – HI-A
13. Zach Walters, SS — AAA
14. Destin Hood, OF — AA
15. Michael Taylor, OF — HI-A
16. Jeff Kobernus, OF/2B — MLB
17. Taylor Jordan, RHP – AA
18. Brandon Miller, OF — LO-A
19. Sandy Leon, C — AA
20. Erik Davis, RHP — AAA

Bypassing any minor league rehab assignments, Stephen Strasburg (L, 3-6) allowed just one run on one hit in his first appearance off the disabled list, showing no evidence of lingering back pain.

Strasburg’s sole run allowed came in the bottom of the fourth after Jason Kipnis drew a one-out walk and stole second, only to advance to third on a throwing error by Jhonatan Solano. In the next at-bat, Carlos Santana singled Kipnis home to position Strasburg for the not-so-deserved loss.

On paper, the Nationals should have come away with the win. They out-hit the Indians seven to four and seemed to decipher Corey Kluber’s pitching regimen. Eleven times, the Nationals had a runner in scoring position – and in three separate innings, they had at least one runner in scoring position before an out was recorded.

To top it off, the Indians handed the Nats opportunities on a silver platter, but the once-again .500 team failed to cash in.

The first gift to Washington came in the fourth after Anthony Rendon’s leadoff single. Ryan Zimmerman lined a four-seam fastball to third baseman John McDonald in the next at-bat, whose throwing error gave the Nats runners at the corners with no outs. Much to Natstown’s dismay, Kluber struck out the next three batters in order to avoid a jam.

In the sixth inning, Denard Span singled and took second on an error by first baseman Mark Reynolds. Rendon followed with a single himself before Zimmerman struck out swinging and Adam LaRoche batted into an inning-ending double play.

In the seventh, Jayson Werth doubled before Ian Desmond got drilled in his lower back with a pitch to put runners on first and second once more with no outs. Steve Lombardozzi chopped a bunt shy of the mound that could have – and should have – resulted in at least two outs on the play, but instead, the ball deflected off Kluber to keep everyone safe.

There may be no better indicator of the Nationals’ frustrations than when Solano lined into an unassisted double play to seemingly kill the Nats’ momentum. Roger Bernadina followed up with a groundout to shortstop Mike Aviles to end the inning without a runner coming home.

To add salt to the wounds, Michael Bourn doubled and scored on a Kipnis sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth to give a rather unnecessary insurance run to the bottom half of the scoreboard.

THE GOOD: Stephen Strasburg looked healthy – if only just shy of brilliant – in his return off the disabled list. He tallied 82 pitches – and four walks – in just five innings pitched but prevented the Indians from making significant contact.

Also noteworthy was Anthony Rendon’s performance. The 23-year-old went 3-for-4 with a double on a day when only one other National – Jayson Werth – had more than one hit Sunday.

THE BAD: 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and seven runners stranded on base – against the Cleveland Indians, no less – is pretty terrible.

THE UGLY: In the sixth inning, Denard Span fouled a ball off his right foot – yet again – Sunday afternoon. He grimaced in pain but remained in the game. He went on to single and take second on Mark Reynolds’s throwing error, and may have scored on Anthony Rendon’s single had he not been in pain.

THE STATS: 7 H, 1 BB, 8 K, 2-for-11 RISP, 7 LOB

NEXT GAME: Monday, 7:05 p.m. at Philadelphia Phillies – RHP Dan Haren (4-8, 5.70) vs. former National LHP John Lannan (0-1, 6.14)

This match had most of the hallmarks of any other United league match this season – shoddy defending on restarts, an offense that created next to nothing, and the inability to execute what on the surface would be rather simple plays at the professional level. Despite taking an early 1-0 lead on a Dwayne De Rosario penalty kick, United were down 2-1 by halftime thanks to a familiar poisonous combination – giving up a goal on a restart, and an own goal (also on a free kick).

Robert Earnshaw scored the equalizing goal in the 30th minute, besting United defender Brandon McDonald in the penalty area for a ball in the air to head past Bill Hamid. Steven Caldwell served the long ball on a free kick from just inside Toronto’s half of the field. McDonald had plenty of time to judge it, but from behind, Earnshaw out-jumped McDonald (and perhaps pushed him in the back), and headed past Hamid’s right at the near post. McDonald immediately gestured toward referee Hilario Grajeda, but to no avail. That goal came 11 minutes after De Rosario converted from the spot after Toronto FC defender Gale Agbossoumonde clipped United midfielder Nick DeLeon in the penalty area – the culmination of a 50-yard run on the ball by DeLeon.

Another 11 minutes after Earnshaw’s equalizer, however, United scored again – but for the third time this season (officially), it was into their own net. This time, Luis Silva launched a free kick from 40 yards out, a bit to the right of Hamid’s goal. As the ball entered the center of the penalty area, Ryan Richter jumped to try and head it, but missed. The ball then fell straight to United defender Daniel Woolard, who headed it to the upper corner past Hamid’s left side.

United never really recovered, putting together a brief decent spell in the second half and posting three shots on goal for the game. But aside from DeLeon’s long run that led to De Rosario’s penalty conversion, there were few instances where United were threatening – as has been the case for much of the season.

United were playing without midfielder Chris Pontius, and defenders Ethan White and James Riley, all injured. Woolard went down late in the second half after being elbowed by Toronto’s Darel Russell – his first action since coming on a minute prior. De Rosario was subbed off for Rafael after 70 minutes. Lionard Pajoy started alone at forward and committed more fouls (2) than he took shots (1 – not on goal). Casey Townsend was brought on for Sainey Nyassi for the final half-hour to try and boost the attack, and had one shot (not on goal).

Not that Toronto were a ton better, which will double the frustration for United over this loss that continued their mind-numbing winless streak. Toronto had but the one shot on goal (Earnshaw’s goal). United had much the better of possession (58 percent), but as usual, it came to nothing thanks to a cavalcade of wayward crosses, intercepted passes, and trying one too many passes in and around the area when a simple strike at goal would do.

The loss leaves United five points behind Toronto FC and Chivas USA as the worst team in MLS. United are 16 points adrift of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, currently held by Sporting Kansas City. With not even half the season complete, United are already 20 points behind the first-place Montreal Impact in the East.

United’s seven goals scored (in other team’s nets) this season are the worst in MLS, and the club’s 26 goals allowed are tied for the worst with Chivas USA. Most shattering for United is that the club is one of only three in MLS with a negative home goal differential, and it’s a shocking -10. The others are Chivas USA (-6) and Toronto (-1).

It also must be noted that on a points-per-game basis, United’s current pace of 0.40 would leave it as the worst team in MLS history, behind the 1999 New York/New Jersey MetroStars (0.47) and the 2001 Tampa Bay Mutiny (0.52). The MetroStars were later rebranded as the Red Bulls. The Mutiny were contracted after the 2001 season.

What awaits United’s long-term future is anyone’s guess given the ongoing stadium discussions, but in the short term, the club will try to end their winless streak next Saturday, back at RFK Stadium, in a 7 p.m. kickoff against the San Jose Earthquakes. The Quakes beat Colorado last night, 2-1.

NOTES:  Newly-acquired United defender Alain Rochat started and played the entire match. … The match was rather physical, featuring 30 fouls (17 by United), but only three yellow cards. Aside from the one earned by Russell, D.C.’s Woolard and Toronto’s Caldwell were also cautioned. … United took five corner kicks to Toronto’s one. … The announced attendance was 13,846. … Elsewhere around MLS last night, Vancouver bested New England, 4-3; Columbus upset Montreal, 2-0; and Portland beat FC Dallas, 1-0.

Ed Morgans is a Contributor to District Sports Page, covering D.C. United. For in-game analysis and story notifications, follow him on Twitter @writered21.

He’s kinda living high on the BABiP right now, but his OBP numbers are in line with what he’s done in the minors, while his SLG is a little down. But his six doubles give promise that he’s going to provide some pop to go along with his excellent plate discipline.

He’s done so well so far that many fans are clinging to his performance as something akin to a new savior, especially with Bryce Harper out for a month now and still out for the foreseeable future with the knee injury. In fact, many are publicly renouncing Danny Espinosa altogether, hoping the injured player remains in the minors in perpetuity.

It wasn’t all that long ago when the same fans were clamoring for Espinosa to move over to shortstop and have the team jettison the then-struggling Ian Desmond. After an All-Star berth and perhaps being the Nats most complete player thus far this season, Desmond is now walking sacred grounds in NatsTown and Espinosa is being lined up for the firing squad.

But the truth is, the Nats would be better off if Espinosa can prove his health, get back in the lineup, and provide his 20-20 power/speed combo and typical Gold Glove caliber defense in addition to, not instead of, Rendon’s production.

I’m skeptical that Espinosa will ever be entirely healthy all season — that he needs to have a surgical procedure to remove the nagging bone chips in his wrist. For that matter, he should also get his balky left shoulder fixed as well, rehab over the winter, and come back in the spring finally fully healthy to compete to win his job back. Maybe this conversation is all a moot point.

But if he can show during his current rehab stint (so far: 2-for-7, 0 XBH, 3 K, 1 BB) that he’s healthy enough to contribute successfully, and not the miserable .158/.193/.272 he put up through June 2 when the Nats finally disabled him, but more along the lines of the .240/.320/.410 that he put up in ’11 and ’12, Espinosa can be a valuable contributor to the Nats offense. He’s not an All-Star, but can provide pop, speed and defense from down in the order.

Does Espinosa walk right back in and claim his starting spot? Does Rendon stay at second, making Espinosa the utility infielder, which puts Steve Lombardozzi’s job in jeopardy? Could Davey Johnson get enough at bats between second, short, third, left field and the occasional DH availability to keep Rendon in the batting order? Surely it’s not ideal for Rendon defensively. But you’ve already asked the kid to play a spot he hasn’t since little league, and so far, so good.

Does the team work out some sort of trade to open up a full-time position?

One thing is fairly certain at this point. Rendon can hit. And he pretty much has to stay in the big leagues now, with the offense he’s providing on a daily basis. It will be fascinating to see what the team does when Espinosa proclaims himself healthy enough to return to the big leagues this year — and rest assured, he will try to return.

The Nats aren’t going to “Wally Pipp” Espinosa, as much as a segment of the fan base would like. This team is better off in the long run with Espinosa healthy. Switch-hitting middle infielders with 20/20 power speed don’t grow on trees. He just has to prove his health first, and we can go from there.

The 7-6 win allows the Nats to remain 5 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the N.L. East, moving their record over .500 again to 34-33.

The Nats jumped on Indians starter Scott Kazmir right off the bat in the first inning. With two outs, Ryan Zimmerman launched his eighth home run of the season to right center, a blast over 400 feet. Jayson Werth (2-for-3, BB) followed Zim’s lead, blasting one in the same direction for his sixth of the year, giving the Nats a 2-0 lead after the first inning.

Ian Desmond led off the second inning against Kazmir with a home run of his own, a laser to the left field corner that hit off the rail above the yellow home run line on the top of the tall fence in Progressive Field’s left field corner.

The Nats had a chance to really bust this one wide open in the third, loading the bases with no outs on a lead-off double by Anthony Rendon (3-for-5, two runs, RBI) and back-to-back walks by Zimmerman and Werth. Adam LaRoche smoked a grounder to second baseman Jason Kipnis, who started a 4-6-3 double play. Rendon scored on the play, but Zimmerman got a late break as he had to make sure Kipnis didn’t catch the low liner, and he was almost picked off on the relay from first baseman Nick Swisher over to third base — a potential triple play.

Zimmerman later scored on a wild pitch by Kazmir on what turned out to be ball four to Desmond, to make it 5-0. Desmond was Kazmir’s last batter.

The Indians got on the board in the bottom of the third. Mike Aviles doubled with one out, and Kipnis brought him home one out later with a single through the hole on the left side to make it 5-1. Cleveland cut the score to two in the fourth inning, as back-to-back homers by Carlos Santana and Mark Reynolds made the score 5-3 after four innings.

 Zimmermann had more trouble in the fifth. Mike Aviles reached on a one-out single, then Michael Bourn flied out for the second out and it looked like Zimmermann would breeze. But then, Kipnis singled, moving Aviles up a base. Nick Swisher followed with another single and Aviles scored to make it 5-4. The big blow came when Michael Brantley smashed a double to center, scoring both Kipnis and Swisher.

The Indians had come all the way back from five runs down to take the lead against one of the National League’s best starting pitchers.

The Nats were confused against several Indians relievers after Kazmir (2.2 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K) was lifted. Matt Albers, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen combined for 4 1/3 shut out innings, allowing just two hits and striking out four. But in the eighth, Chad Tracy pinch-hit for Chris Marrero against righty Joe Smith with two outs, and got a high fastball he could handle, driving it to center field for his second home run of the season, tying the game at six.

That set the stage for the ninth inning. Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano got Lombardozzi and Denard Span without incident, which brought Anthony Rendon to the plate. On an 0-1 count, Rendon popped up to foul territory done the right field line. But even though RF Michael Brantley or 2B Jason Kipnis could have made the catch, it inexplicably fell between them for a foul ball. On the next pitch, Rendon drove one down the right field line that just cleared the fence for his first home run of his MLB career — and a 7-6 Nats lead.

Rafael Soriano gave up a two-out double in the ninth, but LaRoche snared a live drive off the bat of Bourn for the last out. Soriano earned his 18th save of the season.

THE GOOD: Chad Tracy. The much maligned pinch-hitter had not reached base in his last 21 plate appearances and was hitting .131/.172/.180 entering play. But he came through big-time when the Nats needed it Saturday night.

Also, Rendon. Kid looks like he belongs, eh?

THE BAD: In the top of the sixth, with two down and a runner at third, Steve Lombardozzi pinch-hit for Jeff Kobernus. Lombo hit a soft, spinning line drive off the end of his bat toward short. Off the bat, it looked like there was no way Mike Aviles would be able to make a play. But Aviles bare-handed the spinner and got the generous call at first. Lombo’s supposed to have decent speed and he was thrown out on a play he should have beaten.

THE UGLY: With the season he’s having, it’s tough to call Zimmermann’s outing ugly, especially since he had a two-run lead with two outs and a man on in the fifth. But three straight hits gave the Indians the lead and ended his night. Overall, six earned runs on eight hits and a walk in five innings — on a night he had a 5-0 lead — was indeed ugly.

THE STATS: 8 hits, 5 BBs, 7 Ks. 0-for-5 with RISP, 5 LOB. No errors, one DP.

NEXT GAME: Sunday at 1:05 pm against the Indians. Stephen Strasburg (3-5, 2.54) returns from the D.L. to face Corey Kluber (4-4, 4.08).

Ovechkin started slowly last season, as did his entire team. But as they became adjusted to new coach Adam Oates’ systems, both Ovechkin and the team came on to eventually win the final Southeast Division title. Ovechkin led the league in goals and the resurrected power play helped lead the Caps from the bottom of the league to first place in the division and the eventual third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

From the team’s press release:

ARLINGTON, Va. – Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin won the 2012-13 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded “to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team,” the National Hockey League announced today. This marks the third time Ovechkin has been named the League’s Most Valuable Player.

The 27-year-old Moscow native is the only active player to have won the Hart Trophy multiple times (2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13) and becomes just the eighth player in NHL history to win the award three or more times, joining Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Clarke, Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe, Eddie Shore and Howie Morenz. Ovechkin was a finalist for the award in 2009-10. He earned 1,090 points for a margin of victory of 32 from a record-setting 179 ballots cast.

In 2009 Ovechkin became the first player in more than a decade to win consecutive Hart Trophies (Dominik Hasek, 1997-98) and the first non-goaltender to do so since Gretzky won eight in a row (1980-87). He became the third youngest player to win consecutive Hart Trophies, trailing only Gretzky and Orr.

Ovechkin scored 32 goals in 48 games this season to earn his third Richard Trophy in his career and became the first player in the trophy’s 13-year history to win the award three times. Ovechkin is the second Capital to lead the league in goals, joining Peter Bondra (1994-95 and shared the lead in 1997-98) and became the oldest player (27) to lead the league in goal scoring since Pavel Bure (29) in 2000-01.

Ovechkin also led the NHL in power-play goals (16), shots on goal (220) and tied for the league lead in power-play scoring (27 points). Ovechkin finished the 2012-13 regular season with 56 points (32 goals, 24 assists), tied for third in the league in scoring.

The Caps captain finished the regular season with 23 goals and 13 assists in his final 23 games. In that span of 23 contests, Washington went 17-4-2. The Capitals finished the season with a record of 27-18-3, first in the Southeast Division and the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Washington went 23-7-2 in games that Ovechkin tallied at least one point and 19-3-2 in games in which he scored a goal. He led all Caps players in third-period scoring (15g-8a) and tallied seven goals and three assists in the game’s final 10 minutes or overtime.

In his 579th career game Ovechkin became the third-fastest active player to reach the 700-point plateau, behind only Teemu Selanne (541) and Jaromir Jagr (557) and the fastest player to reach 700 points since Peter Forsberg did so in his 549th game in October 2003. Ovechkin became just the third Capital (Bondra and Mike Gartner) to record 700 or more points as a member of Washington and just the 22nd player to record 700 or more points in his first eight seasons.

This was the eighth consecutive season that Ovechkin has tallied 30 or more goals. The Caps captain is the only player to have recorded 30 or more goals each season since 2005-06 and is one of just nine players in NHL history to score 30 goals in each of his first eight seasons in the League, joining Glenn Anderson, Mike Bossy, Gartner, Gretzky, Dale Hawerchuk, Jari Kurri, Luc Robitaille and Bryan Trottier in that accomplishment.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association submitted ballots for the Hart Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season.

Gio Gonzalez (ND, 3-3) allowed just three hits and one home run over seven innings pitched. He walked four batters and struck out eight, throwing 73 of 127 pitches for strikes. Entering Friday’s matchup, Gonzalez boasted a 5-0 career record against Cleveland with an 0.72 ERA.

But, as has so often been the case, the Nats’ bats remained quiet. Their first – and only – run off right-hander Justin Masterson (W, 8-5) came in the third inning via two walks, a single and a wild pitch that brought home Kurt Suzuki.

In the bottom of the fourth, Ryan Raburn found a more efficient answer for the Indians – a solo shot to right center to tie the game 1-1.

From then on, it became a pitcher’s duel.

Gonzalez retired the side in the fifth before walking three straight batters in the sixth with two outs. Fortunately for the Nats, he regained control against Mark Reynolds in time to pitch out the jam unscathed.

In the seventh, Gonzalez walked one more batter – also with two outs – but prevented the Indians from threatening.

Tyler Clippard took the mound in the eighth, allowing back-to-back singles to Jason Kipnis and NIck Swisher before striking out Raburn. Carlos Santana drew a one-out walk to load the bases but Reynolds chased a strike-three four-seamer before Michael Brantley lined out to end the inning.

The Nats failed to reach base in the top of the ninth and, in the bottom of the inning, Stubbs’s gutsy base-running turned the lights out on the Nats.

WIth one out, Stubbs and Michael Bourn hit back-to-back singles off Fernando Abad (L, 0-1). Kipnis hit a sharp grounder to first baseman Adam LaRoche and Stubbs came home from third, beating Suzuki’s tag.

On the play, however, it appeared Kipnis darted onto the grass – blocking LaRoche’s line of sight – and forcing the throw to miss the mark. Regardless of whether or not the play should have been rendered interference, the home plate umpire called Stubbs safe, thereby awarding the Indians a 2-1 victory over the Nationals.

THE GOOD: Gio Gonzalez was sharp yet again. Whatever the reason may be for his continued success against the Cleveland Indians – and at Progressive FIeld – he fired on all cylinders Friday night. His fastball darted all over the strike zone and, on three separate occasions, he retired the side in order.

THE BAD: For the 12th time this season, the Nationals are back at .500.

THE UGLY: The Nationals tallied just two hits against the .500 Cleveland Indians – a single by Ryan Zimmerman in the first inning and a single by Steve Lombardozzi in the third. Worse yet, they struck out a whopping 13 times. After Lombo’s single, they managed to reach base only three more times, all via walks.

THE STATS: 0 R, 2 H, 4 BB, 13 K, 0-for-3 with RISP, 5 LOB

NEXT GAME: Saturday at 7:15 p.m. ET – RHP Jordan Zimmermann (9-3, 2.00) vs. LHP Scott Kazmir (3-4, 5.33) at Progressive Field