Three Nationals were in the starting lineup and two came out of the bullen.
Cayden Wallace, a.k.a. the return from the Hunter Harvey Trade, started at third base and went 1-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. He had two assists on defense.
Max Romero Jr., a.k.a. the obligatory catcher sent by Washington, was behind the plate and racked up 12 putouts, 11 by way of the K. At the plate, the 23-y.o. Miami native singled twice, scored twice, and struck out twice.
Robert Hassell, making his third tour of duty in the Copper State, started in centerfield and went 2-for-4 with two RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base. He had one putout and fielded four hits.
Chase Solesky was unable to hold a 7-5 lead, giving up three runs on three hits (one HR) and a walk over two innings. He struck out four and was charged with the loss.
Matt Cronin walked four of five batters faced and retired one in the 9th inning. He was charged with one earned run.
It’s a day game this afternoon for the Rafters as they travel to Glendale to visit the Desert Dogs.
A couple of small items from the Boys in Durham, neither enough to warrant a post but perfect to fatten up this one…
…Viandel Peña and Kelvin Diaz re-signed with the Nationals following the season. Peña was due to become a six-year free agent while Diaz, who turned 22 last week, had been an in-season pickup after he was released by the Pirates in early May.
…Dashyll Tejeda, who led the league in stolen bases, was named BA’s #27 DSL prospect with the following assessment:
His quick hands serve him well in the batter’s box and can mask the fact that he will sometimes let the ball get a bit too deep. At his best, he has a smooth, easy swing that is currently geared for contact but could produce double-digit home runs once he adds strength. Tejeda is an instinctive runner with plus speed whose 46 stolen bases were the most in the league. He’s a future plus defender in center field with above-average range to all sectors and loads of twitchy athleticism.