Good Morning, Washington Nationals Fans,

Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for today, April 11.

Welcome to the Morning Briefing! Haden here. Let’s talk about yesterday’s game!

Leading this Morning’s Briefing: Nats lose game three of the Giants’ series

The Nats mustered just four hits in the 7-1 loss yesterday. The team failed to record a hit after the fifth inning, with the Giants bullpen not allowing a baserunner over the final three innings. Joey Gallo scored and knocked in the only run with his solo shot off Jordan Hicks. Luis García Jr., Eddie Rosario, and Drew Millas got the other hits. Joey Meneses was out of the lineup for the first time this season.

While they did not get it done today, we are starting to see who the big contributors in the lineup this season. CJ Abrams looks great offensively, Joey Gallo has overcome his slow start, with an OPS now above .800, and Jesse Winker has rebounded to put up numbers akin to his All-Star-level performances in Cincinnati.

Of course, García has traded some contact for new power. His whiff rate rose from 7.6 percent to 11.9 percent. His hard-hit rate jumped from 35.7 percent last year to 56 percent this season. While it seems counter-intuitive, that trade-off is improving his chances for hits, and those hits are for extra bases more often.

After the game, the Nationals optioned Millas and have yet to announce his replacement on the roster, though it will likely be a starting pitcher to make a start against the Dodgers next week.

The Nationals are off today as they travel to Oakland for the second leg of their West Coast road trip.

Down in the Minors

Featured Stories of the Day

Ohtani’s ex-interpreter faces federal charges via ESPN

Brewers catcher Quero's season ended due to a shoulder injury via MLB Trade Rumors

CWS Moncada to miss three to six months via MLB Trade Rumors

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