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Wire Taps: World Series in Washington, D.C. tonight; Nationals bring 2-0 lead back to nation’s capital + more Nats news...

Catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news before the start of the first World Series game in D.C. in 86 years...

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Washington Nationals workout at Nats park ahead of home games in the World Series Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Davey Martinez knows that bringing the World Series back to Washington, D.C. for the first time since 1933 is a big deal, but he gave all the credit to the players when asked about the significance of coming back to the nation’s capital with a 2-0 lead in the Fall Classic.

“I truly believe — first and foremost, I have to thank this organization for giving me the opportunity to actually be here,” Martinez said.

“And it’s been exciting. This year, as you know, has been -- had our downs. But we’re upbeat right now, playing really well.

“But for me what allows me to be me is the guys in that clubhouse, really. They pulled together all year. Like I said, we had some adversity, but it built character and they believe what we’re doing is the right thing and they’re playing really well, and they’re all excited.”

Everyone in D.C. is excited. There will be World Series baseball in Nationals Park at 8:07 PM EDT tonight. Go read your links. And enjoy this all. It’s special:

NATS BEAT:

After an 86-year wait, the World Series comes to Washington - (MASN)
"The overwhelming majority of folks in attendance will have never experienced anything like this before."

Are the Nats winning because they’re dancing or dancing because they’re winning? Yep. - (WaPost)
"You don’t necessarily have to get along to win a World Series, but Washington is showing it can’t hurt."

Juan Soto showing he belongs on national stage - (Washington Times)
"That entertaining routine is the 'Soto Shuffle,' as the Nationals and their fans know, and as the Astros and the rest of the baseball world have learned this week."

Nats 'defy the odds' with 8 straight playoff wins - (MLB.com)
"Ryan Zimmerman said Wednesday that the Nationals 'haven’t done anything yet,' which is only half true."

Dave Martinez remains calm at center of Nationals' postseason storm - (WaPost)
"Manager of the NL champs is a little less caffeinated these days, but still solves the chemistry equation that is a well-run clubhouse."

Juan Soto Nationals 21 facts for 21st birthday - (MLB.com)
"Birthdays are always exciting, but some can be more special than others. Nationals outfielder Juan Soto will celebrate his 21st in one of the most epic fashions imaginable on Friday..."

Series HR latest first for face of Nats franchise - (MLB.com)
"Fifteen seasons in, the firsts keep coming for Ryan Zimmerman, connecting the years of his one-of-a-kind career."

WS in D.C.:

The Nationals' Ticket System Got Hacked and Somebody Stole a Bunch of World Series Tickets - (Washingtonian)
"Someone apparently hacked into the Nationals’ ticketing system and made off with a bunch of tickets."

In a divided Washington, Nationals' World Series run unites - (Washington Times)
"Washington is a city filled with transplants, many of whom bring their hometown sports loyalties with them. There also isn’t much of a local history of baseball success."

First pitch for World Series Game 3 at Nationals Park: Chad Cordero to Brian Schneider - (WaPost)
"Chad Cordero and Brian Schneider formed the end-of-game battery for the 2005 team that brought baseball back to Washington."

Our 15 Favorite Displays of Nationals Pride Around DC - (Washingtonian)
"With the World Series coming to Washington for the first time since 1933, the city has been overrun with overjoyed fans showing off Nats pride (or, ahem, #Natitude). Here are our favorites so far, with skeletons in jerseys, horses in hats, people in shark costumes, and more."

The 1948 Homestead Grays were Washington’s last World Series team, not the Senators - (WaPost)
"But Washington’s last World Series team was the 1948 Homestead Grays, who defeated the Birmingham Black Barons, four games to one, to cap perhaps the most dominant stretch of baseball in American history."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

How many future Hall of Famers are playing in this World Series? - (ESPN)
"One thing fans often forget: [Stephen] Strasburg absolutely was worth the hype as the greatest pitching prospect many scouts said they had ever seen."

Astros' 'room full of All-Stars' not panicking despite 2-0 hole - (ESPN)
"Are the Houston Astros still confident despite falling into an 2-0 World Series hole against the Washington Nationals? Astros manager AJ Hinch summed up opinion by saying, 'I've got a room full of All-Stars.'"

World Series: How sleep doctor helped Nationals chase title vs. Astros - (USA TODAY)
"Dr. Meeta Singh, a sleep expert based in Novi, Michigan, has taken an unusual, behind-the-scenes role in the World Series, setting the bed times for the Washington Nationals."

World Series Game 3 Preview: It’s all on Zack Greinke’s Shoulders – (HardballTalk)
"Originally the idea was to use Patrick Corbin in Game 3 and Sánchez in Game 4, but Dave Martinez deployed Corbin as a reliever in Game 1."

The Nationals’ Juan Soto Is MLB’s Breakout Postseason Player - (The Ringer)
"And the jauntiest man on this jaunty ballclub is outfielder Juan Soto, who turns 21 years old on Friday."