It was the bottom of the eighth. The Nationals were down 2-1 against the Pirates.

That was about the time that we cleared security at the Media Entrance of Nationals Park. Nervous that the biggest surprise Josh had ever pulled off would follow a crippling Nats loss, we begin to make our way to the lower level on the first baseline.

Then the impossible happens. Adam Eaton hits a solo homerun to tie the game. Pittsburgh: 2, Washington: 2.

We introduce ourselves to Josh’s father and brother. As we begin to talk about the game plan following the ninth inning, Howie Kendrick slams a second homerun that would end up winning the game. Pittsburgh: 2, Washington: 3.

The game was over, and yet the fun was just beginning.

Attempting to remain discreet, I find Josh and Michelle at a distance and follow them down to the PNC Diamond Club, where Josh claims a high school friend who works for the Nats would give them both a grand tour of the field. I wait for them to take the field before dismissively flashing my media pass at security and rushing into the visitor’s dugout. Mere moments later, Josh pops the question on the very pitcher’s mound where Closer Sean Doolittle had just saved the game.

Exactly 200 days later, the Washington Nationals would win Game 7 of the 2019 World Series, the first title in franchise history.

Coincidence? I think not.