THE RACING PRECEDENTS: Comparative dates on which the Nationals notched their 88th win, each season:
2017 - 10th September (143rd match of season)
2012 - 11th September (142nd match)
2016 - 16th September (147th match)
2014 - 18th September (152nd match)
2019 - 24th September (156th match)
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2013 - finished 86-76
2015 - finished 83-79
2005 - finished 81-81
2011 - finished 80-81
2007 - finished 73-89
2006 - finished 71-91
2010 - finished 69-93
2008 - finished 59-102
2009 - finished 59-103
...and now, with 2013 having dropped off yesterday, the 2019 edition now keeps company only with the four earlier playoff teams. Not bad for a team that was once 19-31.