Nats’ Magic Number: 18

Our Washington Nationals (formerly your Montreal Expos) (85-52) defeated Mr. Anderson’s Chicago Cubs (again) (51-86)* last night in a scuffle-marred game to reduce their magic number to 18.  The Nats need 18 more wins to clinch the National League East no matter what the second-place Atlanta Brave do or don’t do.

Evidently…the Cubbies got a little cranky while getting throttled yet again by our Nats who swept the series from the ivy covered long-suffering losers.

Here, Bryce Harper (who has been on a hitting tear of late) is restrained by home plate umpire Jerry Lane #24 and Steve Clevenger #51 of the Chicago Cubs after an inside pitch in the sixth inning.

Here, Adam LaRoche hits a home run in that same sixth inning.\

*Best record in MLB.

(Photos by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)