Lane Thomas giving Nationals lift going into Diamondbacks series

(Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports)
The streaking Washington Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday night.

The Nationals have won three straight games and eight of nine to move with one game of .500 and into the thick of the National League wild-card chase.

Washington's run has been propelled by solid starting pitching -- Nationals starters are 6-0 with a 1.