Oakland, CA - This afternoon, the Washington Nationals even the series against the Oakland Athletics by winning 3-1.

LHP MacKenzie Gore took the mound for the Nationals, aiming for his second win of the 2024 season. Gore showcased an impressive performance, pitching 5.0 innings. During his tenure, he conceded four hits, yielded zero runs, struck out 11 batters, and only walked one, all while throwing 90 pitches, 59 of which were strikes.

In Nationals history (2005-present), only two other pitchers have recorded double-digit strikeouts in a start of 5.0 innings or less: RHP Josiah Gray on Aug. 7, 2021, against Atlanta (5.0 IP, 10 SO), and RHP Stephen Strasburg on June 12, 2017, versus Atlanta (5.0 IP, 10 SO). Additionally, Gore matched a career-high with 11 strikeouts during his 5.0 innings today.

After the game, Gore said: “It’s always good to miss bats… The first inning wasn’t great, but I thought we did a great job after that. And then the bullpen was great. We did what we needed to win today, and we’ve got a chance to win a series tomorrow.”

Manager Davey Martinez recognized the impressive outing by the 25-year-old southpaw: “It’s beautiful… He goes out there and attacks the strike zone. He goes out there and competes. Hopefully, we can now see that consistency.”

Kyle Finnegan secured his fifth save of the 2024 season by throwing just nine pitches, seven of which were strikes. Finnegan's season stats include pitching 6.1 innings, striking out six batters, and only allowing three earned runs.

Offensively, the Nationals tallied three runs on 10 hits. CJ Abrams went 2-4, notching a double and a triple in the top of the second inning. His RBI triple in the top of the third brought home Jacob Young, contributing to one of the three runs scored that day. Luis García Jr. also hit his seventh double of the season in the top of the sixth inning, a sharp line drive to center field, resulting in Jesse Winker crossing home plate.

Despite the victory, the Nationals struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-12, and left eight base runners throughout the game. Improving in these areas will be crucial for the Nationals to remain competitive throughout the season.

Up next, the Washington Nationals will finish the series against the Athletics tomorrow at 4:07 p.m. EDT. The Nationals will send RHP Trevor Williams (2-0; 2.61 ERA), and the Nationals will face LHP Alex Wood (0-1; 8.03 ERA).

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