CJ Abrams Powers Nationals Past Diamondbacks, 5-3
The Washington Nationals bounced back in impressive fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 at Nationals Park behind another outstanding performance from shortstop CJ Abrams. The victory evened the series and kept Washington within striking distance in the National League Wild Card race.
Arizona struck first in the third inning when Gabriel Moreno delivered a two-run single to give the Diamondbacks an early 2-0 advantage. Washington wasted little time responding, however, erupting for four runs in the bottom half of the inning.
Abrams sparked the rally with a clutch two-run double before rookie Daylen Lile lined a two-run triple to right-center, flipping the game and giving the Nationals a 4-2 lead.
Abrams continued his huge afternoon in the fifth inning, launching his 25th home run of the season to extend Washington’s lead to 5-2. The All-Star shortstop finished 3-for-4 with a home run, double, three RBIs, and a stolen base, continuing one of the hottest stretches of his career. His three RBIs also pushed his league-leading total to 79 on the season.
On the mound, Foster Griffin gave the Nationals another quality outing. The left-hander worked 6.2 innings, allowing three runs while limiting Arizona’s offense after the early damage. Griffin improved to 12-2, strengthening what has become one of the breakout pitching seasons in the National League.
Arizona attempted to rally in the seventh, trimming the deficit to 5-3, but Washington’s bullpen slammed the door. Eddy Yean escaped trouble before Clayton Beeter pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his ninth save of the season.
The Diamondbacks received a solid offensive effort from Gabriel Moreno, who drove in two runs, but rookie starter Mitch Bratt struggled after a strong opening two innings. Bratt surrendered five runs over five innings in his first major league loss as Arizona’s four-game winning streak came to an end.
MSB Take
Washington showed the type of resilience that playoff contenders need. After falling behind early against a club they are chasing in the Wild Card standings, the Nationals answered immediately with a four-run inning and never surrendered the lead. Abrams continues to emerge as one of baseball’s brightest young stars, while Griffin has quietly become one of the National League’s most dependable starters. If Washington can win Sunday’s rubber match, it will gain valuable ground in what is shaping up to be a tight postseason race.
