The nation’s capital rode the sports roller coaster on Monday night, with victory and defeat intertwined.

The Washington Nationals, a preseason favorite to win the World Series, scrambled back into the National League Divisional Series by beating the San Francisco Giants 4-1. The Giants’ streak of 10 consecutive postseason victories ended at the hands of Doug Fister, who pitched seven scoreless innings for the Nats. The Giants still lead the best-of-five series two games to one.

While the Nats were winning on the West Coast, the Washington Redskins were losing on the East Coast. The Seattle Seahawks had more touchdowns (three) called back on penalties than the Redskins scored. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson established a career high by rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown while passing for two more in a 27-17 victory. The Redskins, now 1-4, have dropped three consecutive games.

Football is still king in the DC area. The Redskins, despite their limited successes since the glory days of the 1980s and early ‘90s, remain the most passionately embraced of the city’s sports teams. The Nationals will get some love if they can reach the World Series, a sight unseen in DC since 1924. The NBA Wizards, who seem to be on the cusp of building something special, will also be of comfort to fans let down by the Redskins.

The Nationals and Giants go at it again on Tuesday night in San Francisco. First pitch is scheduled for 9:07 p.m. For DC fans, let the healing begin.

Today’s question

Can the Nationals make it past the tough Giants and reach the World Series?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .