Despite starting off the second half by losing 3 of their first four games (and 8 of the last 11), the Nationals remain in first, 1.5 games over Atlanta (they started the second half 2-2). The first place Nationals (53-39) will now host 7 straight games in a row. Colorado (31-59) will visit RFK Stadium at the normal 7:05 start time on Monday through Wednesday, and then Houston will visit for four games, only 1 of which will be a day game (Sunday).

According to ESPN.com the next 4 games will potentially have these pitching match-ups:
Monday: Tony Armas (4-4, 4.97) vs. Byung-Hyun Kim (2-7, 5.46); Nationals.com preview; ESPN.com stat pack
Tuesday: John Patterson (3-2, 2.92) vs. Shawn Chacon (1-5, 4.30)
Wednesday: Livan Hernandez (12-3, 3.41) vs. Jason Jennings (5-9, 5.08)
Thursday: Esteban Loaiza (6-5, 3.62) vs. Roy Oswalt (12-8, 2.54)
I assume Friday will see Ryan Drese (7-8, 5.47; interesting, Drese has an ERA of 2.98 at home, 7.19 on the road era, and 4.75 on grass, 13.00 on turf, and for the last 30 days, his era is 4.50) start for the Nationals.
And then Armas again for Saturday,
And then Patterson for Sunday.

A look at the Roster:
Recent Pick-ups:
P Mike Stanton: Stanton's first appearance came on July 15th, and where he balked in the running run (ESPN recap of the game). Stanton also appeared on July 16th, in the game where Cordero saved his 32nd game. Stanton came into the game and pitched a very solid 8th inning, picking up a hold. Stanton faced just three batters, and pitched them 4 strikes and 1 ball.

CF Preston Wilson:
July 14th: 4 AB 1 H (first AB was a home-run) 1 RBI 1 SO (batted 5th, played CF)
July 15th: 4 AB 2 H 1 RBI 1 SO (batted 4th, played CF)
July 16th: 3 AB 0 H 2 BB 1 SO 2 R (batted 5th, played CF)
July 17th: 4 AB 1 H 1 Run 1 SO (batted 4th, played CF; the game where ex-Nationals pitcher Ohka started, and won for the second time, with the Brewers).
With Nationals: 16 AB, 4 hits. .250 batting average.