The Washington Nationals squandered a chance to get back over .500 after dropping the three game series against the Miami Marlins
The Washington Nationals saw a chance to climb back over .500 slip away this weekend after dropping the last two games of the three game series against the Miami Marlins, instead entering the off day with a 19-22 overall record.
The signs of encouragement have been there for the Nationals given Friday's win came off the heels of another dazzling performance from Foster Griffin, who set a new career-high with nine strikeouts in the win as he proves himself to be the ace of the acquisitions in president of baseball operations Paul Toboni's first offseason with the organization. Nasim Nunez also enters the off day leading all of baseball with 17 stolen bases in 2026, while CJ Abrams is tied with Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves with their 36 RBIs also leading the way.
Still, pitching has been a concern for the Nationals, who still enter the week among the worst rotations and bullpens across MLB. Yet MLB.com pointed to the miscues being the biggest sore spot for the Nationals entering the off day with 38 total errors and 19 fielding errors to lead the MLB.
"Notably, shortstop CJ Abrams is tied for second among all players with seven errors, and 22-year-old third baseman Brady House is tied for fourth with six. The pitching staff also ranks second in the category with seven. In response, first-year manager Blake Butera has increased the intensity of pregame drills to try to replicate game action," they wrote.
The errors proved to be costly on Sunday afternoon after one led to a Miami run in the early innings. With runners on the corners and Washington already trailing, 1-0, a hit straight to Nasim Nunez, who replaced CJ Abrams at shortstop, went through his legs for an RBI single to add a second run with Cade Cavalli on the mound.
The Nationals were also responsible for a pair of errors in Saturday's one run loss with one leading to an error. With Zack Littell on the mound, a throwing error by Abrams got the needed runner on first. After stealing second then third base, a sac fly in the bottom of the sixth inning cut the Nationals' lead before Miami eventually took the game.
How soon manager Blake Butera is able to improve the defensive inefficiency will be the biggest in-game development for fans to watch over the next two months ahead of the All Star break.
Washington will enjoy an off day on Monday before resuming the road trip on Tuesday, May 12 for a three game series against the Cincinnati Reds, marking the first meeting between the two teams this season.
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