Nationals beat Royals 5-2, end first half strong

The Washington Nationals beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 to take the series and finish the first half of the season strong. After a shaky start to the season, the Nationals now hold an outstanding 28-11 record since May 24. Patrick Corbin pitched an outstanding seven innings, gave up five hits and no runs, and struck out eleven batters. After Corbin was pulled, Fernando Rodney and Sean Doolittle finished in excellent relief, each giving up only two hits.

For the Nationals' runs, Brian Dozier hit a solo home run in the second inning. Victor Robles followed suit with his own solo homer in the seventh. Anthony Rendon hit an RBI double to score Adam Eaton in the eighth, and in that same inning, Howie Kendrick's 2 RBI double scored Rendon and Juan Soto to secure the five-run victory.

The Nationals finish the first half of the season with a 47-42 record. With neither Anthony Rendon (hamstring/quad) nor Max Scherzer (back stiffness) playing in the All-Star Game, the Nationals can rest during the break and prepare for an intense second half. The Nationals will resume playing on Friday, July 12, against the Philadelphia Phillies.