Nationals beat Tigers 3-1

The Washington Nationals beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1, giving them a 41-40 record and one game above .500. Anibal Sanchez threw six strong innings against his former team and gave up only one hit and one run -- a home run to Nicholas Castellanos in the fifth inning. Sanchez struck out eight batters, and the bullpen finished with three strong, scoreless innings. Fernando Rodney appeared as the Nationals' closer and earned his first save in a Nationals uniform.

In the second inning, Juan Soto hit a solo home run to give the Nationals a 1-0 lead. In the fifth, Adam Eaton's single scored Victor Robles, and in the eighth, Howie Kendrick's double scored Juan Soto. Ryan Zimmerman returned from the IL as the designated hitter and finished his first night back 1 for 3 and a single in the second inning.

Tomorrow, Austin Voth will take the ball for the Nationals. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.