Miami, FL - After scoring a season-high 11 runs yesterday, the Washington Nationals were down 0-7 after two innings. However, thanks to Nick Senzel's offensive heroics, the Nationals mounted an incredible comeback to win 12-9.
This victory marked the Nationals' third consecutive win and another series triumph this season. Although this series win came against the Marlins, it still counts and is a step in the right direction. The Nationals are now 9-6 on the road, 4-2 against NL East teams, and 13-14 for the season.
This win also secured the Nationals' third road series victory of the season and their fourth series victory in their last six overall.
Nick Senzel played a significant role in the comeback, hitting two two-run home runs. CJ Abrams also contributed with a two-run RBI double, helping the Nationals take the lead and never look back.
The Nationals scored in three consecutive innings to take a 10-7 lead, with five runs in the fourth, four in the fifth, and one in the sixth.
In the fourth inning, the Nationals scored five runs thanks to an RBI double by Jacob Young, another RBI double by CJ Abrams, and a two-run home run by Nick Senzel. This quick scoring spree allowed the Nationals to narrow the Marlins' lead to just two runs.
Get the latest updates on the Rochester Red Wings, Harrisburg Senators, Wilimington Blue Rocks, and the Fredericksburg Nationals.
In the fifth inning, the Nationals added four more runs to take the lead. Jacob Young hit another RBI double, and Nick Senzel hit his second home run, giving the Nationals a lead they wouldn't relinquish. A run in the sixth inning secured the win and the series for the Nationals.
The Nationals also executed a double steal during the game, with Trey Lipscomb stealing second base while Ildemaro Vargas stole home. This made the Nationals one of only two clubs with two players who have stolen home this year, joining the Reds. It was also the 10th steal of home in Nationals history (2005-present).
In the bottom of the seventh, the Marlins attempted a comeback, scoring two runs off Jordan Weems, who recorded only one out. However, Hunter Harvey quickly quelled the threat, getting two outs to prevent further scoring.
The Nationals scored two more runs in the top of the eighth, with Trey Lipscomb scoring on a wild pitch by pitcher Bryan Hoeing and an additional RBI by Jacob Young, who finished the game 3-5 with 2 doubles, 3 RBIs, 2 runs, and 2 stolen bases. He is now 23-23 on stolen base attempts to start his career.
Nick Senzel ended the game with a strong performance, going 2-6 with two home runs, 5 RBIs, and two runs scored. CJ Abrams contributed by going 1-5 with a double and 2 RBIs.
LHP Patrick Corbin struggled at the beginning of the game, giving up seven runs in the first two innings. He pitched for 4.0 innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits, striking out four, and walking two. Corbin faced 22 batters and threw 93 pitches, with 53 being strikes.
RHP Kyle Finnegan recorded his ninth save of the season by getting Nick Gordon to ground out into a double play and striking out Jesús Sánchez.
The Nationals will finish their series against the Marlins tomorrow, then head to Arlington, Texas, to face the Texas Rangers in a series starting on Tuesday night. The Nationals are projected to send RHP Jake Irvin (1-2; 4.55 ERA), and the Nationals are projected to face LHP Trevor Rogers (0-3; 4.10).
The Nats Report is an independent reader-supported project with free and paid subscriptions, not affiliated with the Washington Nationals.
Those who opt for the paid edition are providing vital assistance to bolster our independent coverage of the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball.