An earlier version of this article incorrectly spelled pitcher Jordan Zimmermann’s name.
Washington Nationals fans are enjoying their team’s recent hot streak, but many want the hometown team to take its success to a higher level and contend for the World Series.
As of Friday, the Nats hold first place in the National League East by three and a half games and are looking to win the division for the third time in four years.
“We need more hitters, besides Bryce Harper. I know he’s got the big stick this year,” said James Morrison, a 29-year-old Nats fan. “We need more hitters who can get on base.”
Morrison and others are hoping the Nationals end its postseason struggles–the team was eliminated after its first series in 2012 and 2014. They have never earned a trip to the World Series.
Harper, the Nats’ right fielder, has a .339 batting average with 24 home runs and is leading the Nats’ offense.
“He’s great, he’s doing real well,” said Steve Monroe, a 66-year-old Washington, D.C. resident. “I just hope he can stay healthy. He’s got a good future.”
The Nats also have the pitching weapons to contend for a title.
Ace pitcher Max Scherzer, in his first year with the Nats, has three wins in his last four starts, including a no-hitter on June 20.
When asked about Scherzer’s recent dominance, Monroe said that the Nats’ ace has been “amazing” and has proven that he’s worth the seven-year, $210 million contract.
The rest of the Nationals pitching staff has also been performing at a high level.
Starters Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann have been dominant recently, while Gio Gonzalez is also improving.
“They definitely have the advantage,” said Haley Sayre, 23, a Red Sox fan interviewed Wednesday in Northwest Washington, D.C.
Despite the influx of weapons, many fans still don’t give the Nationals a realistic shot to win the World Series.
“I feel like they can get far, but I don’t have them winning it,” Morrison said.
With tough teams in the National League including the red hot St. Louis Cardinals who have the best record in baseball, and the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, the Nationals may have a tough road.
The Nationals have also had multiple postseason disappointments in the last five seasons, and still haven’t taken their playoff performance to a championship-caliber level.
However, Monroe thinks that this season could be different for the Nats.
“Contenders? Yes,” Monroe said. “If they can get some more players back from injury, they’ll be better contenders.”
With many key players on the disabled list, the Nats still have fared well. Without hard-hitters Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman, Harper has stepped up and been one of the best hitters in baseball this season.
For now, Harper’s and the Nats’ success is aiding the team’s popularity.
“It definitely helps, it gives them more respect as a team,” Sayre said.
Updated July 3 2:50 p.m.