Speier emotional for Baker after Nats beat Mets

Prior to Wednesday's series finale against the Mets, bench coach Chris Speier met with the media in the spot normally reserved for manager Dusty Baker. Speier was there because Baker was home due to a death in the family. Speier spoke about Baker as a manager, a close friend, a confidant, a trusted advisor and sometimes even a father figure to the Nationals.

Speier said they would dedicate the next couple of games to Baker.

On Wednesday, the Nationals found a way with shutout pitching and a timely home run from Wilson Ramos to drop the Mets 1-0, extending their National League East lead to 10 games.

In an example of how much of a family atmosphere Baker has brought to South Capitol Street, Speier spoke about how important it was to get that win with Baker away from the club.

"Huge. As we got in that ninth inning with the one run lead, yeah, I got emotional," Speier said. "Saying some powerful prayers, this one is for Dusty, let everybody just perform it the way they can perform. I know he's happy today for that. And maybe add a little bit of joy to the tough time that he is in right now."

One of the biggest reasons why the Nationals are where they are at the top of the division is one of the Mets' best players from last season plays in D.C. now in second baseman Daniel Murphy.

Murphy hit safely in all 19 games against the Mets this season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Murphy has matched the longest single-season hitting streak by a player versus one team in the divisional play era (since 1969). Derek Lee had a 19-game hitting streak for the Cubs against the Cardinals in 2004 and Jose Altuve had a 19-game streak versus the A's in 2014.

Murphy is also enjoying a 12-game hit streak overall, bating .422 (19-for-45) in that span.

"His year has been amazing," Speier said. "From my experience when I think that it might be good to give him a day, he'll come out and get two or three hits. I know he really wants to play against these guys. If you've seen him, day in and day out he's a grinder. He doesn't give at-bats away and he hits the ball hard more consistently then anybody that I've seen this year."