Nationals Split Series vs Yankees
The shutdown-albeit injured-starting lineup of the Washington Nationals faced off against the hard hitting lineup of the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in a much anticipated first half matchup after they were originally slated to face off in May, but had the brief two game series delayed due to rain.
The Nationals started the series on Tuesday night on the same note they ended their previous series against the San Francisco Giants-being completely shut down by the opposing pitching staff-most notably CC Sabathia and Aroldis Chapman. Sabathia recorded his 1,500th career strikeout in the fifth inning as the Yankees handed the Nationals a 3-0 loss, the first loss in interleague play for Washington.
Wednesday night was Juan Soto’s first ever game at Yankee Stadium. Soto celebrated the occasion by driving in four runs on two go-ahead home runs, the second of which proved to be the game winner as the Nationals edged the Yankees 5-4 in an offensive explosion. Washington racked up ten hits in the evening, including a pair of three hit games for Adam Eaton and Matt Adams. In addition, Erick Fedde pitched in his first ever game at Yankee Stadium, earning a no decision allowing four runs on six hits over five innings. Justin Miller celebrated his 31st birthday tonight with four strikeouts over an inning and two thirds, in addition to his fourth win of the season. The win improves the Nationals’ interleague record to 6-1.
The Nationals will have a day off tomorrow and head to Toronto to face the Blue Jays this weekend