CONTENDER: The Washington Nationals Are CONTENDERS In The National League

Washington Nationals surge into playoff contention behind red-hot bats and improved pitching. Can Keibert Ruiz’s breakout month and Curtis Mead’s unexpected power spark a playoff push sooner than anyone predicted? Host Ryan Clary breaks down the Nationals’ impressive run, spotlighting Ruiz’s resurgence both at the plate and behind it, Zack Littell’s turnaround in the rotation, and Orlando Ribalta’s emergence as a bullpen force. The stock report covers rising stars and key concerns, such as Jose Tena’s struggles and possible roster changes ahead. With Cade Cavalli set for a marquee pitching duel against Sandy Alcantara, and the Nats leading MLB in runs, the episode examines whether this revitalized team can keep its momentum going against the Miami Marlins in a pivotal series. Is this the start of a new era for Nationals baseball? 00:00 Nats Are CONTENDERS! 05:16 Zack Littell's unexpected breakout 06:31 Zack Littell's season turnaround 15:24 Keibert's performance and future potential 18:41 Evaluating Jose Tena's performance 23:19 Sandy Alcantara's performance struggles Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11 Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals   Everydayer Club Link: https://lockedonnationals.supercast.com/   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https://5hourENERGY.comor on Amazon. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.