CHICAGO – Monday’s rain didn’t stop the fiery opener to the three-game series between Washington and Chicago. The first game of yesterday’s doubleheader went to the Washington Nationals following an exciting game and an explosive 8th inning against the Chicago White Sox.

Though the game started out slow for the Nationals, they finished strong and had some great takeaways. 1B Joey Meneses had a perfect 4 for 4 game, bringing in two runs for Washington, while 3B Trey Lipscomb contributed three hits and successfully stole three bases. RHP Derek Law (3-1) secured the win with three crucial outs, while Kyle Finnegan managed the ninth inning, securing his 13th save out of 14 opportunities.

After a rough first inning of striking out, The Nationals quickly fell behind after Chicago’s Eloy Jiménez stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the second, sending the ball soaring over the center field fence for a home run.

Moving to the top of the fourth inning, the Nationals trailed 0-2 with no outs. Luis García Jr. stepped up and delivered a sharp line drive single to center field, advancing Joey Meneses to third base. However, with the pressure mounting, Nick Senzel struck out swinging, resulting in one out. Riley Adams then grounded into a double play, ending the inning with the Nationals still trailing.

The game intensified in the top of the fifth inning with a three-run rally by National League Player of the Week, Eddie Rosario. Starting with a single ground ball, Lipscomb scored and sent CJ Abrams to 3rd; Rosario made it to 2nd. Meneses stepped up to the plate for a ground ball to the left, bringing in Abrams and Rosario. The Nationals took a 3-1 lead.

However, the White Sox fought back in the bottom of the fifth. Chicago’s Tommy Pham hit an RBI single to Rosario in the left field, scoring Nicky Lopez and tying the game 3-3.

A few innings and a much-needed stretch later, the game reached a pivotal moment in the top of the eighth inning. With one out and the score still tied at 3-3, Keibert Ruiz's RBI single to right field brought in Nasim Nuñez, giving the Nationals a 4-3 lead.

Lipscomb then delivered another crucial hit with an RBI single to center field, scoring Senzel and advancing Ruiz to third base. After Victor Robles got out on a sacrifice fly ball, Ruiz took a trip to home plate. The Nationals extended their lead to 6-3, ultimately winning the game and leading Washington with a victory into the second game of the day.

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