Preview of Nationals vs. Yankees on Fox 5

Kick off a three game set tonight hosting the Yankees at Nets Park. You can catch those games on Fox one here on Fox five when we also have a pre game show starting at six. First pitch is at 6 45. The Nationals are going into tonight's game on a high note as well. Many insiders say they have the best offense in baseball right now and several players are stepping up and putting up big stat. So joining us now is Sam Salek, site manager, S. B. Nations Federal Baseball. Sam, thank you so much for joining us. What do you expect to see and dig deeper into both the strengths and weaknesses for the next? Um, I would expect to see some fireworks this weekend. The Yankees and Nationals are the two teams with the most home runs in all of baseball, and the Nationals have also allowed their fair share of home runs. So this has been a really strong offensive team with guys like James Wood, Luis Garcia Jr. And C. J. Abrams, as you see right there, all having huge stats. All three of 20 home runs and 60 RBI, which is the only trio in baseball to have those numbers. Also, though, one of the worst pitching staff. So do you think that's going to play a role to in what we see? Um, yes, it is. I think, like the perfect example of a Nats game this season was the first game of the Astros series where they won 12 to 11 spend that kind of season for them. Garcia is certainly having a breakout a year. You talked about James would as well. Talk about these players, not just as a collective for the team, but singular stars who could go even beyond what we're seeing now. Um, yeah, all three of those guys have been phenomenal. Um, Abrams is gonna be the starting shortstop in the all star game, and it's just been a great success for all three of those guys. Um, seems like the new coaching staff has really helped unlock those guys to a new level, especially Garcia lately, who's been who has about 15 home runs in his last 30 games. It's been really cool to watch. Yeah, it's been incredible. The fans are excited for sure. We also have the MLB draft coming up Saturday. What are you looking for? Um, I've been looking for potentially, um, some hitters, more hitters to be drafted some pitchers. Maybe later on. Um, there's one kid, Chris Akopian, who is from the area that could be drafted. Um, so it should be fun. I'm gonna be mostly watching that. You know, we were talking here with my colleagues yesterday morning about the way the Nats have been looking so far this season, and it's reminiscent of the year they won the World Series. So I gotta get your take on that. Do you see us going all the way? Or is it too soon to make that call? I still think it's a little too soon. They need a little more pitching help. But who knows? The trade deadline is about 34 weeks away now, so maybe they can get some pitching there finally here. Talk about the energy in terms of the fans and what that could mean for the team moving forward, because I think a lot of people feel and see the momentum that is certainly on the Nats side. Yeah, it feels like the energy in the ballpark is quite good. There's always like that tarps off section, which brings energy. Um, the crowds are usually pretty lively. I think they're embracing this team and this new energy that's coming with the team. It's been so long where there's not been a ton of hope, and now they have a lot of hope in a season where they weren't expected to be that good, and they're really exceeding expectations. All right, and that's we want to see go above and beyond. Sam, thank you for your insight on the matter and the look and outlook ahead.