Consistent offense vital for Nats' pursuit

WASHINGTON -- By pounding the Brewers, 9-5, on Sunday afternoon, the Nationals won their first home series since July 20-22 against the Mets. It was also the first time since late June that Washington won consecutive series.

If the Nationals want to continue to win series moving forward, the offense must stay consistent, according to manager Matt Williams. At times, the offense has been streaky. In the last six games, however, the Nationals are hitting .271 with a .385 on-base percentage.

In Sunday's game, for example, Williams liked the extended at-bats his players were able to have early in the game.

"The offensive approach is important," Williams said. "[Jayson Werth] at the top of the lineup saw a lot of pitches. [Anthony Rendon] worked the count. [Ryan Zimmerman] walked a couple of times. So that just creates opportunity.

Video: WSH@MIL: Rendon breaks it open with a three-run shot

"Those types of offensive at-bats are important. Guys are going to hit the ball out of the ballpark on occasion, but that is not the measure of our success. It comes from those extended at-bats."

Catcher Wilson Ramos said the Nationals have to play all facets of the game in order to stay alive in the National League East race. They remain five games behind the Mets for the top spot in the division.

Video: WSH@MIL: Ramos increases Nats' lead with solo homer

"We have to put everything together -- offensively, defensively and pitching," Ramos said. "[If] we put everything together, we have an opportunity to win a lot of games. We have a pretty good team. We have good young players here. We know how to play this game."