CLEVELAND — The Washington Nationals, hampered by an exhausting travel schedule, fell 7-1 to the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night. The game was marked by a sluggish start and a powerful performance from the Guardians, putting the Nationals on an unfortunate back foot from the beginning.

The unusual game day atmosphere was evident. The visiting clubhouse was nearly empty 3½ hours before the game, with only Patrick Corbin, the Nationals' starter, using a foam roller on the ground, and Jesse Winker lounging at his locker. Jake Irvin joined briefly before disappearing again. The rest of the team trickled in quietly, reflecting their disrupted routines.

Washington sent LHP Patrick Corbin to the mound, where he pitched six innings, giving up six hits and allowing two runs. His record is now 1-6. Corbin's performance was solid, but it wasn't enough to counter the Guardians' offense.

The Nationals struggled to generate an offense of their own, managing only three base runners through the first six innings. Luis García Jr. was a bright spot, collecting three of the team's four hits, but the Nationals went 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position. The Guardians, who hold the third-best record in the majors, capitalized on Washington’s sleepy start, scoring five runs in the seventh and eighth innings to secure the win.

Cleveland took an early lead in the third inning due to heads-up base running. Corbin issued a walk to Brayan Rocchio, followed by a single from Steven Kwan. Tyler Freeman's ground ball bounced off Nick Senzel’s glove, and CJ Abrams' attempt to recover was not enough to stop Rocchio from scoring. Abrams stayed in the game despite an awkward dive that required attention from trainers. José Ramírez added an RBI groundout later in the inning.

Washington had a chance to rally in the seventh inning when García singled, and Eddie Rosario doubled to cut Cleveland's lead to 2-1, ending starter Tanner Bibee’s night. However, the rally was short-lived as Nick Senzel flew out and Joey Gallo struck out to end the inning.

Cleveland responded in the bottom of the seventh with Josh Naylor driving in a run on a fielder’s choice, followed by David Fry’s two-out, three-run homer off Robert Garcia, sealing the game for the Guardians.

The Nationals look to bounce back in their next game against the Guardians.

UP NEXT

Left-handed reliever Jose A. Ferrer is set to throw a bullpen session Saturday, his first since suffering a major strain in his left shoulder during spring training. Ferrer posted a 5.03 ERA in 39 appearances during his rookie season in 2023.

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