Nats return home after 5-4 California trip
After dealing the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 defeat – the first time L.A. has been shut out since July 30 last season – the Washington Nationals boarded the flight home having won their second series of the season. The Nats took two of three in San Francisco and Los Angeles, but won only one game in Oakland.
Highlights from the road
C.J. Abrams continues to play at an all-star level. His five homers lead the Nats, and his .295 average is second to the red-hot Jesse Winker’s .364. Though too many Nats have yet to swing the bats like they should (looking at you, Lane Thomas and Joey Meneses), Washington boasts outstanding defense and speed. The Nats’ fielding percentage of .991 is second in the majors to Atlanta, and the team’s 33 steals put them just one behind the Reds.
Lefty Mitchell Parker, called up from the minors to replace Josiah Gray in the rotation, enjoyed a stellar debut, giving up four hits and two runs in five innings. He struck out four, walked none and got the win in the first Dodgers game. With the exception of one game in Oakland, Washington’s bullpen was quite effective during the trip. And Wednesday’s win was Dave Martinez’ 400th as Nats manager.
Losing ground
Washington has won six of its last 10 games, but unfortunately, the Mets have gone 8-2 and moved ahead of Washington in the NL East. The fourth-place Nats host Houston for three games starting Friday, then the Dodgers come to D.C. looking for revenge. It’ll be a challenging home stand – especially if the Nats’ 21st-ranked team batting average of .231 doesn’t improve dramatically during the next six games.
