The Washington Nationals finished with just three hits and one run in a 5-1 loss to close the series vs the Arizona Diamondbacks
For the fourth time since May 1, the Washington Nationals were denied the series sweep in the finale after the Arizona Diamondbacks answered back with a 5-1 finish on Sunday afternoon.
Cade Cavalli moved to 3-4 after an inconsistent showing in the loss, allowing four earned runs, seven hits and two home runs while tossing just two strikeouts in five innings. Riley Cornelio made his first appearance since being officially called up to the roster just hours before the first pitch where he allowed one earned run and a pair of hits in two innings.
This time, though, it wasn't all on the pitching after Washington finished with one run off just three hits in the loss. Both Curtis Mead, who also finished with two strikeouts, and Keibert Ruiz reached base to join CJ Abrams as Nationals to get on base to close the series.
Yet after the Nationals would be the ones to exit the first frame with a 2-0 lead in each of the first two games in the series, the Diamondbacks would be first to strike after Cavalli gave up a 417 foot solo home run just six pitches into his outing. Washington wouldn't have to wait long to answer back after CJ Abrams blasted his second home run of the series and 15th of the season with a 367 foot solo shot on an 86 mph cutter to open the second inning.
Arizona would answer back in the bottom of the fourth after consecutive singles put runners on the corners to open the frame, setting up a fielder's choice that appeared to be a double play before a challenge kept the base runner safe at first. Cavalli's second home run allowed came the following inning after giving up a two out, 368 foot blast to left field before a grounder to short in the next at bat ended his day.
With Cornelio on the mound in the seventh, the Nationals gave up the final run of the day after two walks and a single loaded the bases to set up the sac fly to cement the loss on the road.
Washington now drops back to .500 overall and will now head to take on the San Francisco Giants for a three game series set to begin on Monday, June 8. Miles Mikolas is set to open the series with first pitch set for 9:45 PM EST.
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