Rendon's triple-digit runs total has impressed Williams

With three runs scored in Friday night's loss, Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon now has 101 for the season and has retaken the major league lead in that category from Minnesota's Brian Dozier (100).

Rendon is only the fourth player in team history to eclipse the 100-run mark in a season, joining Alfonso Soriano (119 in 2006), Ryan Zimmerman (110 in 2009) and Nick Johnson (100 in 2006).

But the triple-digit total is just one aspect of Rendon's game. In addition to playing sparkling defense at third (and second, when he needed there), Rendon is batting .279 with 18 homers and 75 RBIs with 15 stolen bases. He's drawn 49 walks, third-most on the team, which has contributed to a .339 on-base percentage. His .464 slugging percentage leads the Nats.

"For the guys at the top of the lineup, it's probably more important that they score those runs as opposed to driving those runs in, but he does both, which is why he's had such a great year," Williams said of Rendon. "Get those guys out there in scoring position and he can drive them in, but he can also create runs, which is unique."

Rendon has quietly had the kind of season that could draw the notice of MVP voters, especially on a team where the stars have missed extended time with injuries.

But 100 runs is definitely a milestone, especially considering Rendon is a year removed from his rookie campaign. He's spent most of the season (101 games) in the two-hole, but has also hit in every other spot in the batting order, save for the ninth position, as a starter.

"I think it's indicative of where he hits in the lineup, certainly," Williams said. "But it also takes the ability to get on base; on-base percentage is important in that regard. Because it's tough to score 100 runs if you're not on base. But he's done a good job of all of that - getting hits, driving in runs as we saw last night, taking his walks. Also, the ability to steal bases has helped him. He's able to get into scoring positions with his legs, too."