Desmond, Rendon win Silver Slugger Awards

The left side of the Nationals infield was arguably as potent offensively as any team's in the National League this season.

And shortstop Ian Desmond and third baseman Anthony Rendon are getting the hardware to prove it.

Desmond made it a three-peat, winning his third consecutive Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, while Rendon takes home the award for the first time. The awards were announced live on MLB Network a short time ago.

"Our entire organization is exceptionally proud of Ian and Anthony," general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement released by the team. "These awards confirm what we already knew: that they are two of the best offensive infielders in the game, and we consider them equally talented defensively. After the seasons each of these homegrown players put together, we're honored that they did it with our uniform on their backs."

Desmond hit .255/.313/.430 this season, with 24 home runs, 91 RBIs, 73 runs, 151 hits and a 103 OPS-plus.

He's the first NL shortstop to win three straight Silver Sluggers since Barry Larkin of the Reds, who won five in a row from 1988-92. The only other shortstops to win three in a row were the Orioles' Cal Ripken Jr, the Yankees' Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, who turned the trick while with the Rangers and Mariners.

"I am extremely humbled and blessed to have won this award for the third straight year," Desmond said in a statement. "It's a testament to my teammates, who surround me in the lineup, the trainers - Lee Kuntz, Steve Gober and John Hsu - for keeping me on the field, and obviously the coaching staff for bringing out the best in me every day.

"As much of an honor as this is, I still feel like there are a lot of things I can improve on, and will improve on. I'm going to continue to work hard so I can be better next year."

Rendon, meanwhile, wins the Silver Slugger among NL third basemen in his first full major league season.

Arguably the Nationals' most consistent hitter this year, Rendon hit .287/.351/.473 with 21 home runs, 83 RBIs, 111 runs, 176 hits and a 125 OPS-plus.

The 24-year-old has proved to be an incredibly well-rounded hitter despite being so early on in his big league career.

"While I don't play this game for the individual accolades, I'm incredibly honored to receive this award and to be mentioned in the same breath as these great players - especially my teammate and friend, Ian Desmond," Rendon said. "I would like to thank all of the coaches, trainers and teammates who I've been with along the way. Without them, I wouldn't be in a position to accept this."

This is the second time isince the Expos moved to D.C. for the 2005 season that the Nats have had two players win Silver Sluggers in the same season. It also happened in 2012, when Desmond, first baseman Adam LaRoche and pitcher Stephen Strasburg all won the award.