BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 17 - The Washington Nationals won again in Baltimore after an early offensive explosion and solid Jake Irvin start. While it wasn't all perfect, the Nationals' 10-6 win was much more decisive than the box score would have one believe.

Jake Irvin delivered a strong performance, pitching 6.1 innings and allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out six. He got through the Orioles' lineup efficiently, keeping them scoreless through six innings before allowing a couple of runs in the seventh. He was pulled after Jacob Young’s injury delay for a shoulder issue. Jose A. Ferrer provided 1.2 innings of scoreless relief, maintaining the Nationals' lead. However, Zach Brzykcy encountered trouble in the ninth, surrendering four runs, including a three-run homer to Jackson Holliday, before closing out the game. It was 10-2 entering the bottom of the ninth.

Offensively, the Nationals erupted with a six-run first inning, their first like that since May 14, 2021. The lineup for that game included Trea Turner, Josh Harrison, Yan Gomes, and Max Scherzer hitting eighth. CJ Abrams set the tone today in the leadoff spot like Turner had, with an extra base hit, and the next five batters reached base, highlighted by Luis García Jr.'s two-run single. Keibert Ruiz added an RBI double, and Jacob Young capped the inning with an RBI triple. García Jr. continued his productive day with an RBI double in the second. In the ninth, Nathaniel Lowe's two-run double and Ruiz's RBI single extended the lead, ensuring the Nationals' victory.

This win marked the Nationals' first season series victory over the Orioles since 2018, a significant achievement for the Nats’ young core. It also improved their record to 20-27, providing a morale boost as they aim to get back to where they were in the standings. For the Orioles, the loss came on the heels of managerial changes, with interim manager Tony Mansolino stepping in after Brandon Hyde's firing this morning. Despite a late rally, the Orioles couldn't overcome the early deficit.

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Looking ahead, the Nationals will aim for a series sweep in the finale against the Orioles on Sunday. A win would not only complete the sweep but also build momentum as they head home, and it would actually be with a trip that was better than .500 baseball. Time will tell, but it seems that the team is past its bad performances of the past week.