D.C.: Hot n cold

⚾️Nationals: The Nats haven’t won a game since Opening Day, having just been swept by reigning champion LA Dodgers this weekend. Nats’ pitcher Max Scherzer had a strong start yesterday, but the lack of offense is what’s really hurting the Nats, who haven’t scored a run in three of their last four games. Yikes.

• Although five players have returned from the COVID-19 injured list, newcomers Kyle Schwarber and Josh Bell remain on it. Their debuts — and spring training home run energy — can’t arrive soon enough.

🏒Capitals: The Caps started off hot and didn’t look back, downing the Boston Bruins 8–1 (!!!) yesterday. Even better than defeating defenseman Zdeno Chára’s old squad? The Caps recapturing the East Division lead all for themselves. Muahaha.

• And while goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s heart condition won’t allow him to play for the Caps this season, keep your eyes peeled if the team acquires any other new players before today’s NHL trade deadline.

⚽️Spirit: The Spirit struck first with forward Kumi Yokoyama’s goal in the fifth minute, but fell 3–2 to the tournament favorite North Carolina Courage on Saturday. But with Trinity Rodman’s impressive debut, and several players yet to return from national team duties, the Spirit should still be dangerous this tourney.

🏊‍♀️Swimming: The DMV’s own Katie Ledecky is looking sharp before her third Olympics. In this weekend’s Pro Swim Series in California, Ledecky won three of her four events, setting season bests and 2021 world-leading times in each victory. Watch out, world.