Nationals players celebrated at PNC Park as they officially wrapped up the 2016 National League East division crown with a 6-1 win over the Pirates and a Mets 10-8 loss to the Phillies.
A few of the important starting pitchers had a chance to speak with MASN's Dan Kolko during the champagne celebration.
Right-hander Tanner Roark talked about enjoying this moment again with the club.
"It feels just as good as the first time, great group of guys," Roark told Kolko. "We stick together. It's a team effort. We fought through the bad parts and the good parts and this is obviously one of the greatest parts of the season. But it doesn't end here. We are going to have fun tonight, we are going to celebrate."
What did the is team gain from 2014?
"Experience," Roark said. "You got to take it one game at a time and not look past anybody. Just come in there well educated and ready to go."
Young right-hander Joe Ross started the game Saturday night, and described his feeling after the game.
"It's unreal. I'm just happy to be here with all these guys," Ross told Kolko. "Being with these guys for the first time is something special. I'm looking forward to finishing this season with a playoff run. It's going to be fun. I'm looking forward to it."
Ross said his pitching teammates meant a lot to how good a pitcher he became this season as a starter.
"A ton. I can't really put it into words," Ross told Kolko. "Being around these guys, especially the starters, sitting next to them every day, picking up a little bit every single day, keep going, keep learning, even tonight still working on more stuff, I'm sure for the rest of the season. It will be going for years to come, hopefully. If I can stick by them and just get a little bit I'll be in a good spot."
Kolko asked Ross on the potential of playing a critical role in the postseason.
"When it happens I'll be excited," Ross told Kolko. "I feel like out there I try to treat it a little bit playoff wise the intensity. We got one more game I think coming back. I think I'll be ready to step up to the challenge. I'm looking forward to it, looking for my chance."
Kolko then spoke to left-hander Gio Gonzalez, who talked about the guys played a role with the club in their success this season, even one that is no longer with the club.
"The moments that stand out, we are missing some of the guys that belong here, Sammy Solis and Jonathan Papelbon who was a big part of it from the beginning," Gonzalez told Kolko. "But at the end of the day, everyone's here, everyone's celebrating. We are all enjoying this moment. It's been a long ride and it's finally over. Now we get going and we focus on the main task at hand."
Gonzalez was asked by Kolko what team chemistry meant to forming this club into a division winner again.
"It's just the young guys. Young group of guys play with so much passion, play with so much heart, so much hustle," Gonzalez said to Kolko. "It's unbelievable. From Trea (Turner) all the way down to Joe Ross, Reynaldo (Lopez) had a phenomenal game tonight. Everyone, A.J. Cole, even guys that we picked up like Mat Latos, everyone came in the clutch and played their hearts out. I want to celebrate with them and enjoy this moment."
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