Stellar pitching and clutch hitting was expected to be the key to winning the NL East yet again for the Philadelphia Phillies. It has actually been the key for securing the top spot, but for an unexpected team. The Washington Nationals have sole possession of first place after the first month, 3 1/2 games ahead of Philadelphia, using a spectacular rotation and an offensive burst from Bryce Harper.

Ross Detwiler threw another gem Thursday night, lowering his team’s ERA to a league-leading 2.03, and Harper doubled home the winning run in a 2-1 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Continue reading →