Nationals finding small changes are leading to better results

Washington Nationals Jayson Werth (28) reacts after hitting a double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park in Washington, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015. At right is second base umpire Joe West (22). ...Stroking his beard, then untangling his long hair with his fingers, shower-fresh Jayson Werth expressed something not often heard around the Washington Nationals.

“We all know what’s at stake, and where we’re at,” Werth said Saturday night.

Werth was calm when he hinted at being aware of the urgency. The Nationals‘ grip on the season is around the bottom knot of the rope. Finally, a public declaration by one of the team’s heavies seconded the fervor,…