The Nationals still play, still building. A weekend in San Francisco offered a snapshot of their future: Gore showed why he’s the present-and-future ace in six stellar innings, Abrams delivered a homer off Verlander, and Wood anchored a multi-hit, run-producing day with Wood and Lile contributing in the leadoff and middle order. Brady House and Daylen Lile added important knocks, underscoring a growing core that could turn Washington into a competitive threat next season. With a month and a half left, the focus is on confidence, habits, and proving they can contend, even if the season’s destination remains distant.