METS TO NATIONALS: "SURPRISE!"

Well, the Mets certainly shook things up at RFK by taking 3 of 4 games in the Nationals' own backyard. This is the first time this has happened, and the first time in weeks the Nationals have dropped a series. Chad Cordero's brilliant save streak was broken in a very awkward 9th inning failure in game 1. Livan Hernandez's brilliant winning streak was broken. Only Esteban Laoiza, coupled with the Chief for a sweet if suspenseful close, came out of D.C. with a win.

Because the Cubbies failed to keep Atlanta at bay, the Braves are now breathing down D.C.'s neck, only 3 games behind. Once again, all teams in the NL East are above .500. At this point, with a whooooole lot of season left, I just want to revel in the Nationals' success—from here on out, anything could happen. Here, an injury, there, a massive winning or losing streak for anyone in that division could tip the tide. I'm gonna step back from the NL East for a bit or I know I'll just make myself crazy.