--OF Elijah Dukes has picked up his offensive game considerably in the last two weeks. 

The Nationals have every reason to roll over and play dead this September, their season long since having derailed. 

--RHP Craig Stammen had surgery Sunday to remove a bone spur in his right elbow, a procedure that will sideline the rookie six weeks and thus end his season. 

Facts are facts, and theWashingtonNationals almost certainly will lose more than 100 games for the second straight season. 

J. 

Until he rounded the bases Sunday and leaped into a mass of waiting teammates upon clubbing a game-winning homer against the Florida Marlins, Ryan Zimmerman hadn't been the center of attention in a while. 

EX- Nationals PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jon Rauch 

SEEN AND HEARD ATNationals PARK 

Many times over the last four years, Ryan Zimmerman was the only reason to pay attention to the Washington Nationals. 

-- How long has it been since theGiants won a World Series? Put it this way. 

The Philadelphia Phillies had lost three straight series coming into this weekend. 

Playing two after a 12-inning game the night before, the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals both needed some solid starting pitching. 

Playing two after a 12-inning game the night before, the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals both needed some solid starting pitching. 

TheWashingtonNationals made a pair of roster moves Friday, one out of necessity to keep a healthy complement of catchers on the team and another in the ongoing search to find a consistent bullpen. 

Maybe someday, theWashingtonNationals will find the right combination of bargain relievers and young arms to fill out their bullpen, and assemble a group that won't stand in the way of the team's potent offense.