Its Monday, July 28 and the Nationals (43-62) are in Houston to open a series against a suddenly scuffling Astros team (60-46 ...

This latest embarrassing performance also pushed the Nationals' record to 30-43 on the year, completely erasing whatever small glimmers of hope remained from their encouraging start back in April.

The Washington Nationals have found a clear ace over the course of the last year, and despite a difficult start recently, he showed self-awareness throughout.