8 things to watch for in today’s slate

For some teams, this a quick turnaround. For the Washington Nationals, it’s a chance to quickly flush a tough loss from the mind. Unfortunately, the Texas Rangers aren’t so lucky — after letting a late lead slip away in Toronto, they’ve got to wait until tonight to start anew.

For baseball fans, this is one of the best days of the year, beginning with the Cubs and Pirates at 12:35 p.m. ET and ending with the Phillies and Cardinals at 8:15 p.m.

Here are eight things things to watch for.

1. Will Tuesday’s win get the Royals going? Kansas City had a tough few days, losing six of seven games as the bats went silent. And then on Tuesday night, the Royals rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Nationals, 7-6.

Mike Moustakas had a huge two-run single to tie it, then Lorenzo Cain finished it with a game-inning single, all against Nats closer Jonathan Papelbon.

The Royals talk constantly about their intangibles — that is, their closeness and resolve. Games like this put every bit of that on display.

“These are the kinds of win that get you going,” Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Next up: Facing Stephen Strasburg, who goes for a 5-0 start in the 2:15 p.m. tilt.

2. Back to work, Papelbon This is the life of a big league closer: They really only make news when they don’t close the door. Papelbon stood up after the game and took responsibility for the Nationals’ loss.

That’s what the good ones do, and Papelbon has been one of the best for the past 11 years. He also wants the ball this afternoon, to turn the page and help get Washington back on track.

3. Can the Astros string something together? They will try to win …

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