The Nationals haven’t clinched their wild card spot in the postseason, or at least not just yet. Last night they made the game interesting after coming back from being down 6 runs, but weren’t quite able to pull out the win. Starter John Lannan didn’t have his best game, and a missed call by the umpires cost the Nats a run. The Dodgers ultimately won 7-6.

Tonight, as the Nats wrap up the series against the Dodgers, they have another chance to clinch a postseason spot and to cut down their magic number to win the NL East. If the score holds, (currently 4-1 Nats in the seventh inning), the Nationals will have clinched their first postseason berth in 79 years.

Even though getting a spot in postseason baseball is worthy of celebration, the Nationals aren’t quite ready to celebrate, and are focused on the current big picture: clinching the National League East.

“It’s been a rewarding experience, the whole season. I’m not here to talk playoffs or clinching or anything like that until it happens, or if it happens. But I think it’ll make a great statement in the city,” General Manager Mike Rizzo said.

“The only thing that’s going to mean anything to me is when we clinch the pennant. That’s the only number I’m concerned with,” manager Davey Johnson said.

Hopefully tonight the Nationals can cross off another number.

Other good stuff (in case you missed it):

• That missed call? Oh yeah, umpire Alan Porter apologized to Davey Johnson for it.
• Chien-Ming Wang will be starting on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Also, here’s to two very happy birthdays to Ian Desmond and Steve Lombardozzi. Here’s to players drafted and developed through the Nationals!