In past seasons, a six-run deficit would have seemed like an impossible challenge to the Nationals, who were often lucky to score three runs on a given night.
These days, no deficit seems too big to overcome. Despite falling behind 6-0 to the Dodgers in the first inning Thursday night, Washington stormed back, scoring 11 runs in the game's final four innings to pull off an 11-9 win that no one in the dugout doubted was possible.
"Our offense is good enough to where we never feel like we're out of a game," outfielder Adam Dunn said. "Six runs? We'll take our chances."
One year after ranking last in the majors in most offensive categories, the Nationals now are producing at an impressive level, getting production from all spots of the lineup.
Seven of Washington's eight lineup regulars are hitting .290 or better: Dunn (.290), Cristian Guzman (.392), Nick Johnson (.330), Ryan Zimmerman (.336), Elijah Dukes (.292), Jesus Flores (.301) and Anderson Hernandez (.328). Last year, Guzman was the only regular to hit better than .283.
NATIONALS 11, DODGERS 9: Trailing 6-0 after the first inning, Washington stormed back to win in dramatic fashion. Every member of the lineup got at least one hit during a four-inning onslaught that featured 11 runs and 13 hits. Credit also went to starter Jordan Zimmermann, who allowed six runs in the first inning but battled back to throw five scoreless innings after that and give his teammates a chance to rally. The Nationals won at Dodger Stadium for the first time in 11 tries.
