Those of us who watched the Senators play in RFK Stadium have tried to tell the "juvenile journalists," those under 40, but oh no, they wouldn't listen to us. For more than two months, the kiddie corps, with both pen and keyboard, kept moaning about how it was easier to hit one out of Yellowstone than RFK. The Nats could never win here.

Yeah, right. There is an equation that explains it all: H + H = HH. See, it's simple. [H]eat + [H]umidity = [H]umongous [H]omeruns. Once that blanket of "water air" waffles into town, pop flys become fly balls, and fly balls become home runs. By mid summer, they'll be calling RFK the "launching pad" and saying, "see, I told you so."

I think the Washington Nationals should create a new pitching position: the "opener." The closer's job is to hold the lead and win the game. Well, we've got a great one in the "Chief." What we need is someone designated to give up a run or two in the first inning, just enough to rile up the Nats so they can create some of that "comeback magic" that is the lead story in every baseball publication and website tonight. "Manager Frank Robinson, what's the most important ingredient in a Nationals victory?" Robinson: "That we're behind in the game early."
Esteban Loiaza, who hadn't given up a run in the first inning all year, did. A juggled A's lineup caused some early angst for the Nationals, as catcher Jason Kendall singled leading off the game before Bobby Crosby buggered a fastball over the fence to give the A's a 2-0 before the fans had even sat down following the National Anthem. Loiaza looked like he was laboring, and many of us thought, "Gosh [well, not many of us say 'gosh,' but I do, so work with me], I guess this is the night that the Nats finally lose a game. " Ah no. The comeback even began early Tuesday night.

Ryan Church popped a homer in the 3rd to make it 2-1, and a 4th inning Carlos Baerga double and a Brian Schneider homer made it 4-2. Ryan Church muscled a triple in the 6th plating 2 runs, and Vinny Castilla finished the barrage with his first homer since ... well, I really can't remember since when ... for a final score of 7-2.

I normally at this point would tell you that first baseman Nick Johnson got two more hits, and continues to surprise, but he isn't surprising any more. He is becoming the constant of the Nationals inconsistant offense. For him not to get two hits and a walk, and make a radical scoop at first would be a surprise. And I wanted the Nationals to trade him to Tampa along with Zach Day for Aubrey Huff. Sheesh.

What of Ryan Church? I can still say he's a surprise, but perhaps not for too much longer. For the third time this season, Church went 4-5, this time adding a homer and a triple and drove in 3 runs. Remember, this is they guy who was hitting .187 towards the end of April and Termel Sledge was getting the playing time because he just wasn't hitting. As of tonight, his average has soared to .336. I was just this second listening to Peter Gammons who said that the Nationals can truly contend for the rest of the season if they can get a power bat in center, and suggested a Zach Day - Mike Hinkley - Ryan Church trade to the Rockies for Preston Wilson. What? Peter baby, you know I love you, but I don't want Wilson on this team. How could we win with two outfielders striking out 160 times this season? I have always believed that Ryan Church will be a power hitting center fielder and a perfect number two guy in the lineup. By next year, Church will begin a string of .300-20-80 RBI seasons that will last for some time. Why is Preston Wilson the answer when there isn't even a question? With young Ryan Zimmerman set to become the starting 3rd baseman in 2007 [if all goes according to plan], they along with Nick Johnson and Brad Wilkerson could form the young nucleus of a very fine offensive team.

It was nice that Brian Schneider and Vinny Castilla homered, but neither should be counted on to do that regularly. Vinny still drives in runs, but isn't going to hit more than 15 homeruns this year, and with the signing of UVA 3rd baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who Jim Bowden said might be called up later this year, I'm not so sure if Vinny fits into the plans next year, contract or no contract.

Esteban Loiaza pitched well after that first inning, pitching 7 innings, striking out 4 and lowering his ERA to 3.48. I could care less about his so-so 2-4 record; he's pitched lights out while the Nats offense was "out to lunch." Jim, sign him to a 3 year contract before the Yankees offer him 3 years and $20 million come fall.

In a season of firsts, the Nationals are now a season high 7 games over .500 at 33-26. The second place Phillies, buried deep in the cellar just 10 days ago, are 1 1/2 games behind the Nationals. Things look good for the summer. General Manager Jim Bowden tells anyone who will listen that he has money, around $3 million to spend on a bat or two.

I gotta tell you, I am surprised as anyone, and I have no idea how they are doing it. I just hope they can keep it up for a little while longer.