"The final three players in the Washington Nationals' batting order during their 8-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday were Iván Rodríguez, Justin Maxwell and Liván Hernández -- two players with decorated major league careers sandwiching one whose future is blossoming.

Each was central to the Nationals' victory, with Maxwell displaying the potential of what he could become and Rodríguez and Hernández proving that even players not included in the Nationals' long-term plans can help the team this season.

That season turned in a positive direction this week with a three-game winning streak that has given the Nationals a winning record for the first time since April 4, 2008.

The most impressive of the trio was Hernández, who at 35 reached into his past -- one that includes the most valuable player award in the 1997 World Series -- and pitched a four-hit shutout. It was his 48th career complete game and eighth shutout, but first since 2004. He has not allowed a run in two 2010 starts. "