Consistent offense vital for Nats' pursuit

Williams on offense in 9-5 win 7:44 8/23/15: Nationals manager Matt Williams on improved offensive production and the strength of his starting rotation after his club's 9-5 win 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.

Rendon's 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.…