WASHINGTON – The pitching for the Nationals has been superior throughout the first half of the season, but the team’s offense didn’t start out with the same fire.

While shortstop Ian Desmond has consistently made plays and fans love young Bryce Harper, the rest of the offense literally didn’t seem to step up to the plate until last month.

Behind the plate, the Nats still need some help.

WTOP grades the offense in the slideshow to the right.

WTOP’s Nuts About the Nats Series:

• Nats enter the break tops in the NL
• Nats help one fan renew his love of baseball
• Slideshow: Grading the pitchers
• Dave on Davey: From O’s to Nats, a long journey

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