Rendon's offense and defense impact another Nats victory

Third baseman Anthony Rendon's bat and glove were on display again as the Nationals finished off a series with the Phillies by winning 3-2 on Sunday.

Rendon connected on an RBI double and later scored on a passed ball in a crucial two-run rally in the seventh inning that provided the margin of victory.

"Runs, in general, are going to be great," Rendon said. "Just got a good read, I guess, ran really fast.

"2-0, that's a hitter's count so you got to be aggressive in those situations, and (Edubray Ramos) just happened to leave a ball over the fatter part of the plate. I tried to do damage."

The double was Rendon's 37th of the season, which is the most of any National League third baseman. He has now hit safely in 34 of his last 44 games.

In the past 44 games, Rendon is hitting .321 (50-for-156) with 20 doubles, six home runs, 35 RBIs and 26 runs scored.

He also started three double plays from third today and had five other putouts to keep the Phillies off the board.

Rendon also has just nine errors in 1,196 innings, which is tied for second in the NL. His .974 fielding percentage ranks third.

Winning pitcher Gio Gonzalez believes Rendon brings plus-plus offense and defense to the table, and that combination has been a major part of the Nationals' success.

"He's definitely a guy who opens the eyes of a Gold Glover," Gonzalez said. "His offense, he's definitely a Silver Slugger, in my opinion. So, two awards that definitely need to be looked at in that area, especially for him. He's playing his heart out. He does that every year. He's a great guy. Especially when he's healthy, it's lights-out."

Baker said Rendon plays a crucial role in terms of adding consistency to the lineup. The No. 5 spot can finish off a big rally, bring the top of the order home or start one for hitters six-through-nine.

"I don't know what his batting average is, I know he's driven in a bunch of runs since the All-Star break and hit some home runs," Baker said. "And he's played outstanding defense. But he's in the part of that order, the fifth guy is your foundation man in the middle of that order. He's in the middle. He's not only coming through with key RBIs, he's getting on base when Harp and Murph don't and he has to lead off an inning.

"That fifth hitter is one of the most important hitters in the game. Especially in the two-out situation because he's going to hit a lot when Murph's on, if they walk Harper. He's responded great."

Baker believes that because Rendon has so much versatility as a hitter as well as the ability to run, he can be slotted in any number of places in the lineup and deliver.

"We've batted him all over the order, trying to find the right spot for him for this team," Baker noted. "He's probably the one guy that can hit anywhere. He's hit second, he's hit sixth, he's hit fifth. When Murph is out, he hits third sometimes. Sometimes he hits fourth when Harp is out. So he's a very, very important clog in our lineup.

But Rendon doesn't want to take the credit for the Nationals' offense just because of where he hits in the lineup. He said it's a trickle down effect for him in the middle of the order.

"It all starts at the top," Rendon said. "Trea, he's been unbelievable out there. I think he might be hitting like .400 right now. That speed, it kills out there. He's always getting on base, speeding up the game for that defense and that pitcher. He wreaks havoc out there.