Suddenly it doesn't seem a far-fetched scenario that the Nats might be able to stay in wild card contention past the All-Star break...maybe even into September. A couple of developments are worth noting besides the fact almost every team save the Rockies and Marlins remains in the race, namely Washington proving it can hold its own on the road (18-18, sixth-best in the NL), and featuring lots of pleasant surprises in the pitching staff, like Wednesday night starter Jake Irvin, who has a 1.48 ERA across his last four starts. More positive vibes than we usually feel from anything emanating from near Capitol Hall, too, winning the opener of this set at Comerica in extra innings last night after the weekend sweep of the Braves at Nats Park. It has also been good business to look against the Tigers with Reese Olson, who hasn't been able to catch a break for Detroit (reflected in his 1-7 record), and now can't seem to get anyone out, either (12.54 ERA in two June starts). Play Nats on Money Line