Washington Nationals Game Recap #18
The Washington Nationals completed their two game set with the Baltimore Orioles last night and did so without scoring a single run in 18 innings. The Nats had slightly better production last night than the night prior, but the result was the same as they failed to score a run and were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. They also struck out and uncharacteristic 18 times in the series, including 11 last night. Through 18 games, the Nationals lead the Major Leagues in fewest strikeouts per game with 6.72.
MacKenzie Gore took the hill for the Nationals and generally looked good. He struggled with walks and his command a bit, which has been typical in a Gore outing, but he still managed to turn in a quality start. Gore walked home the first run of the game in the 3rd inning, which saw him walk three Orioles hitters, but he was able to get out of it with the help of a force play at home and a double play ball up the middle. Adam Frazier later tagged him for a two run home run as Gore left a slider hanging over the middle. His final line was 6 innings pitched allowing 3 runs on 3 hits with 4 walks and 7 strikeouts.
After being struck by a line drive in his last start which required a trip to the injured list, Orioles' starter Kyle Bradish pitched well on Wednesday night going 6 innings himself but allowing no runs on 5 hits with a walk and 6 strikeouts. He is one of the few opposing pitchers against the Nationals this season to have more strikeouts than his Vegas' odds indicated coming into the game. The Nationals had just as many base runners as the Orioles and had more of their base runners in scoring position, but the Orioles hitting, while less often, was more timely as they beat the Nationals 4 to 0 to sweep the short series.
The Nationals get yet another off day today as they will travel to Minnesota for a three game series against the Twins. First pitch on Friday night is at 8:10p EST. The Nationals will send Trevor Williams to the mound (1-1, 3.52 ERA) against the Twins' RHP Tyler Mahle (1-2, 4.11 ERA). The Twins are currently 11-7 on the season and are in first place in the AL Central.
