Alas, two of those responsible were Nationals relievers.
Matt Cronin stranded one while getting the last out of the 5th then let in three on four hits during the 6th. He walked none and struck out one while notching his second blown save of the fall.
Michael Cuevas gave up an unearned run in the 7th to lose a 6-5 lead. He allowed one hit, one walk, and struck out two while “earning” the blown save. The error that led to the run was his own.
Luke Young also appeared in the game, but was much more effective as he stranded two in the 2nd and retired all three batters he faced.
Three Nationals were in the starting lineup:
● Robert Hassell was the DH and batted third but went 0-for-5 with a whiff.
● Max Romero Jr. started behind the plate and batted fifth. He went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, a whiff, and a run scored. Defensively he allowed one stolen base and a passed ball while notching seven putouts on strikeouts.
● Phillip Glasser was the Rafters third baseman and had a single and two RBI. Defensively he had three assists and one error.
Salt River (8-8) returns to action tomorrow in Scottsdale (5-11).