Brian McNally

Bryce Harper and Mike Trout play against each other for first time

They knew it was coming. Angels outfielder Mike Trout and Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper have been compared to each other for years: Same approximate height, weight, age. Given their talents, it was inevitable. So before the two met on the field for the first time in their young careers, they were ready to discuss everything from their relationship to their appreciation of the other's talents to their time as teammates in the Arizona Fall League in 2011.

April 21, 2014

Nationals reliever Drew Storen shuts down Cardinals in 3-1 win.

Anthony Rendon homers and Drew Storen escapes a second-and-third threat in the eighth inning to help Washington secure a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. That snapped an eight-game losing streak against St. Louis dating to the 2012 playoff loss at Nationals Park.

April 18, 2014

Nats’ defensive woes continue in blowout loss to St. Louis

In an 8-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday night, the Nationals committed four errors. Shortstop Ian Desmond had two. Right fielder Jayson Werth lost a ball in the lights at Nationals Park. The Cardinals didn't need the help as ace Adam Wainwright threw a complete-game shutout.

April 18, 2014

Capitals, Mike Green may be reaching a ‘game over’ situation

Mike Green knows if the organization decides to head in a different direction – the status of general manager George McPhee and the coaching staff remains uncertain – then he could be headed out of town, too.

April 16, 2014

No playoff misery this time as Capitals aren’t even participating

When an organization comes so close, so many times – four Game 7 losses at home in six years and another on the road - it's easy to pin the blame on small things. The Caps can't do that this time. For the first time since 2007, Washington won't even be a part of the NHL's postseason party.

April 15, 2014

Capitals Notes: Team doesn’t have many roster decisions to make

The Capitals have limited roster decisions to make this offseason. There are no restricted free agents on the roster and only three players will be unrestricted free agents – winger Dustin Penner, center Mikhail Grabovski and goalie Jaroslav Halak.

April 14, 2014

Capitals pack up and go, but team’s future direction remains unclear

The season is over, but the direction that the Capitals' offseason takes is still in limbo after players packed up their equipment at Kettler Iceplex on Monday morning.

April 14, 2014

Fittingly, Capitals end non-playoff season with shootout loss

A 1-0 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday afternoon at Verizon Center summed up the season well for the Caps, who set an NHL record for shootout games with 21.

April 13, 2014

Playoff hopes dashed, but Caps drub Chicago 4-0

Alex Ovechkin scores his NHL-best 51st goal of the season and teammate Jay Beagle adds two of his own as the Caps, already eliminated from postseason contention earlier in the week, beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

April 11, 2014

Nats rookie reliever Aaron Barrett’s huge strikeout of Giancarlo Stanton

Nationals reliever Aaron Barrett, a long shot to even make the team out of spring training, was given yet another big opportunity early this season when he faced Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton with two out and one-run lead in the eighth inning. He came through yet again and is showing why the organization put its faith in him after a strong camp.

April 10, 2014

Stephen Strasburg is dominant as Nationals complete sweep of Marlins

All afternoon long at Nationals Park on Thursday, Stephen Strasburg won almost every battle. By the end of his day he struck out 12 batters, preserved a weary bullpen and gave the Nats a chance to win a game where they ultimately prevailed 7-1.

April 10, 2014

Jayson Werth’s grand slam powers Nats to 10-7 win

Nats outfielder Jayson Werth hit a grand slam in the eighth inning to help lift Washington to a 10-7 victory over the Miami Marlins on a night starter Jordan Zimmermann struggled.

April 10, 2014

Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman back on the field vs. Marlins

Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was back where he belonged for Wednesday night's game against the Miami Marlins: In the starting lineup.

April 9, 2014

Nationals’ Anthony Rendon right at home at third base in 5-0 victory

The Nationals were without star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman for Tuesday's game against the Miami Marlins. And so, for the second game in a row, Washington manager Matt Williams switched second baseman Anthony Rendon to third base in Zimmerman's place and he contributed all over the field in a crisp 5-0 victory at Nationals Park.

April 9, 2014