The Washington Nationals complete one of the most successful months in years after securing the series win against the San Diego Padres
The Washington Nationals did just enough on Sunday afternoon to take down the San Diego Padres, 4-2, to pick up the third home series win in May.
The Nationals, who also move to two games above .500 this season, end the month with a 16-12 record. With the win, the Nationals have now won 16 games in a month for the first time since August 2023 and just the second time since June 2021. An even more impressive feat given the Nationals did so against three playoff contenders in the Braves, Guardians and Padres.
Keiebert Ruiz was one of two Nationals to record a multi-hit game after going 2-for-3, joining CJ Abrams who went 2-for-4.
Zack Littell posted another strong outing to lower his season ERA to 5.01 after allowing two earned runs and tossing five strikeouts across six innings. Orlando Ribalta came in relief to throw a pair of strikeouts while not allowing a hit through two innings.
After a scoreless first three innings, the Nationals broke the tie after Luis Garcia Jr. belted a 402 foot leadoff home run in the fourth inning, marking his fifth home run of the season. The next inning, Keibert Ruiz reached base after a single into right field before James Wood cleared the bases with a 417 foot home run over the centerfield wall for his 16th of the season, putting the Nationals ahead, 3-0.
Littell's struggles would materialize in the seventh inning when a two-run inning threatened the Nationals' chances at the win.
After walking the leadoff batter, a successful bunt to Curtis Mead at third got a pair of runners on before an RBI double into left field broke the Padres' scoring drought.
Ribalta would come in where a sac fly led to the second Padres' run before a walk loaded the bases then a strikeout sent the two teams into the eighth.
Ten days after being called up, Andres Chaparro delivered the crucial hit to give the Nationals the insurance run they needed.
After Jose Tena opened the inning with a leadoff walk, Jorbit Vivas then singled to right field before a pair of fielder's choices kept two runners on. Chaparro's RBI double to left field was just enough, marking the final run in the 4-2 finish.
With the win, the Nationals' will now look to stay hot when they host the Miami Marlins for a three game series beginning Monday night.
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