When trailing after eight innings the Nationals haven’t been able to pick up a win this season, but that all changed Monday in Oracle Park after a 4-3 win over the Giants.
It was very silent for the Nationals in early innings. Even though the Giants had produced more opportunities to get runners home, the Nationals continued to fight defensively to keep the game scoreless up until the sixth inning. Miles Mikolas eliminated early runs by the Giants after he stranded runners in scoring position in both the third and fourth inning.
Finally, after five scoreless innings, it was the top of the order that generated some action. Despite the two outs, James Wood found a way and got things done in the sixth inning. Wood singled to center and it wasn’t long before he stole second base.
Luis Garíca Jr. also singled to right. That was all Wood needed to be able to sprint home as he drug his fingertips across home plate to give the Nationals the first lead of the game.
After 4.2 innings, 54 pitches, no walks, and two strikeouts, Mikolas was relieved by Mitchell Parker in the sixth.
With two outs, Parker looked to close out the inning on top but instead things started to fall apart. The Giants capitalized swiftly on the pitching change after they found three back to back singles off of Parker which eventually tied the game up, 1-1.
It appeared that the Nationals stopped applying pressure as they began to crumble in the eighth inning. Clayton Beeter allowed the Giants to secure two runs in the eighth inning to take the lead.
The Nationals would now be forced to search for redemption in the ninth inning if they wanted a chance at a comeback win. And they did just that.
García earned a double and after a hit by pitch to Curtis Mead’s arm forced a walk. The plates looked good for the Nationals. Jose Tena would run for Mead.
CJ Abrams was able to square things up after he singled to center to bring García and Tena home. Abrams stole second base for his 10th stolen base of the season.
Now it was up to Daylen Lile to find the late offensive run the Nationals had been looking for. Even though he was 0-3 on the night, Lile stepped up when it mattered the most. With two outs, Lile managed to single to center just enough for Abrams to take back the lead.
Nationals Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Nationals. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!
