WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Sunday, August 28, 2022, Washington Nationals’ Patrick Corbin secured the win as the starting pitcher for the first time in 43 games. Corbin’s stud pitching let the Nationals to a 3-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds, who had already won the two games prior in the three game series.

      As a 2019 World Series champion with the Washington Nationals, Corbin’s pitching has been essential to the team’s rebuilding process. With the team having traded left-handed hitter Juan Soto, pitcher Max Scherzer (also known as “Mad Max”), shortstop Trea Turner, big hitter Kyle Schwarber, and third baseman Anthony Rendon. The ball club’s 43-85 season record exemplifies the essence of rebuilding in the big leagues. Rebuilding is simply when a team trades their best players in the midst of a rough season so that the very talented players can perform on a successful team that recognizes their abilities.

     Prior to the trades, the Nationals had surprisingly not had a great season, especially coming off of the 2019 World Series high. Sending the top-dollar players to more successful teams, such as the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, only seemed like the right thing to do for Nationals Manager Dave Martinez. 

     Overall, the challenges that the Nationals ball club has faced this year have been like no other, as they are currently the worst team in the major leagues. With time, however, the team is sure to achieve the camaraderie and success that they once had, such as back in 2019 when they became World Series champions and “finished the fight.”