Espinosa hoping to take good feeling into series with Dodgers

When the postseason begins, the Nationals need their stars to step up and contribute to advance. A late arrival like catcher Pedro Severino or right-hander Reynaldo Lopez could also play an important part.

But what about another veteran like Danny Espinosa? Could he get going for a couple of weeks and provide a boost to the offense?

The last two games may give an indication. After an 0-for-20 slump he is 3-for-4. A small step, but a positive one.

Espinosa walked twice, scored three runs and blasted the game-changing two-run shot to help lift the Nationals past the Marlins 10-7 on Sunday. He finished 1-for-1 with two RBIs. The home run was his 24th of the season. He is now second on the team in hone runs this season, tied with Bryce Harper.

The 24 homers are a career-high. The last time he hit 20 homers in a season was 21 in 2011.

"I kind of found my rhythm," Espinosa said Sunday night. "Trying to stay a little more patient and getting my pitch rather than hitting everything they throw up there. For me it was more staying patient right now.

To be able to take that feeling the last few days into the postseason feels good."

Manager Dusty Baker was asked this week about what he has seen in Espinosa and what he can do. He knows what might have been causing Espinosa an issue the last few games at the plate.

"He's doing the most basic thing that you tell kids," Baker said. "The pros think that they, they're taking it for granted. They're not watching the ball. First thing you tell the kid is watch the ball. But when you become a pro, you figure that you already are watching the ball.

"I already know that part. You know what I mean? You've gotta watch the ball. It's pretty simple. Now, I've gotta convey the message. That's the hard part."

Espinosa said the team is in a good place. Reaching 95 wins after not making the postseason last year is a big deal. He credits Baker for the way he runs the clubhouse, or more importantly, stays out of the way.

"He lets us be us," Espinosa said. "He doesn't have to come in the clubhouse and try and get us going or anything. He just says go out there and play. You guys know how to play. I don't need to tell you what to do."

Espinosa's batting average is just .209 for the season. But if he can return to the way he hit in June (.309, five doubles, nine homers, 21 RBIs), that would be the Espinosa the Nats will need in the National League Division Series.