No disrespect to the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox who have entertaine fans with fights, dramatic games and memorable postseason performances throughout recent decades, but after this weekend's matchup with nothing at stake, baseball has a new thrilling rivalry seeking the attention of fans.
It is between the Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals. Last night might have been a prelude to the way games will be played versus both clubs for the next years to come.
The game went all the way until the 13th before the Nationals put a score on the board to take the game 5-4. It was not a pretty victory, but a victory nonetheless giving them at six-game lead in the N.L. East as they look to hang on to first place as the Braves have been on a roll following the All-Star break.
The Nationals have been flying under the radar this season despite having the best record in the Majors and being the first team to control first place for so long since the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Braves are trying to rebound from an upsetting finale to their 2011 season and find themselves in the mix of things.
Both clubs have solid young players that could be future of baseball.
Jason Heyward vs. Bryce Harper. Freddie Freeman vs. Ryan Zimmerman, Craig Kimbrel vs. Tyler Clippard, Stephen Strasburg vs. Tommy Hanson.
The oldest player from this group of stars Zimmerman who is currently 27.
No bad blood exists between the teams, but being that the New York Mets will need at least a season or two before they can put out a quality team on the field and the Phillies are going through injury and have released players like Shane Victory and Hunter Pence, the Braves and Nationals will have their players gain experience playing together, which can snowball into superiority in the N.L. East.
The Nationals have first place and a six-game lead, but with thoughts of benching their ace Strasburg, who knows what can occur in the standings.
The Nationals are 76-46, while the Braves are 70-52.
The N.L East and baseball better prepare as these young and talented teams will likely have seasons like this in the future.
