The Nats led wire-to-wire, highlighted by a five-run 8th as they tripled up the Astros, 9-3.
MacKenzie Gore grounded the Astros like Space-X without NASA, allowing no runs on two hits and three walks over five and a 1/3rd innings. He struck out six while winning his second ST game.
Two watchlisters were in the starting lineup…
…Dylan Crews played in his usual spots – right field, batting second – and went 1-for-2 with a walk, an RBI, and a run scored. He was caught stealing.
…Cayden Wallace was the starting 2B and played the whole game. He was 1-for-4 with a two-run double and a strikeout.
Here’s how the parade of the second wave did:
- Daylen Lile subbed for James Wood in LF. He went 1-for-2 with an RBI single in the 8th.
- Andrew Pinckney pinch-ran for Nathaniel Lowe and went 0-for-1 with a walk. He replaced Crews on defense and committed an error.
- Darren Baker pinch-ran for DH Josh Bell and scored a run. He grounded out in the 8th as the second DH.
- Brady House pinch-ran for Paul DeJong, scored a run, took over third base, and walked in his sole PA.
- Robert Hassell singled and scored a run in the 8th and followed Jacob Young in CF.
Washington (9-8) will cross the Central Fla. swamp to play Tampa Bay in Port Charlotte. DJ Herz is expected to make the start.