By JOE HENDERSON 

TheGiants' value fell 5 percent in the past year, the only drop among the top 10 most valuable franchises in the majors. 

After starting the season 0-6, Washington's first homestand of the year wasn't much more pleasant. 

What could easily have been a dramatic turnaround of a wretched start to the season instead ended on a sour note for the Nationals. 

--OF Josh Willingham seems to embracing his new role as the Nationals' top pinch hitter. 

Washington --- TheBraves waited two games and nine innings for something good, so they weren't about to complain about how they got it. 

Washington --- TheBraves waited two games and nine innings for something wonderful, so they weren't about to complain about how they got it. 

The Washington Nationals had almost as much trouble at home as they did while dropping their first six road games this season. 

The Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies will play their postponed game of April 15 on May 16 as part of a day-night doubleheader. 

After starting the season 0-6, Washington's first homestand of the year wasn't much more pleasant. 

--OF Adam Dunn has successfully reached base in all 13 of the Nationals' games this season, testament both to Dunn's prodigious power and his keen eye at the plate. 

Over the weekend, the Nationals were wondering whether Joel Hanrahan had the ability to continue as a big-league closer. 

Thanks to a suddenly stout bullpen, the Washington Nationals finally have their first winning streak of 2009. 

Washington --- There actually were some fans in the stands at the end of Tuesday night's game, and the rain delay was half as long, but theBraves couldn't shake the dreary feeling they've had at Nationals Park. 

Less than two weeks after Washington was swept by the Atlanta Braves, the Nationals are on the verge of returning the favor.