In a thrilling Sunday showdown at Nationals Park, the Washington Nationals managed to dodge a sweep by edging out the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2, thanks to a clutch performance from Nasim Nuñez. The young infielder delivered a pair of run-scoring singles, proving to be the difference-maker in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
CJ Abrams was a spark plug at the top of the lineup, collecting two hits and crossing the plate twice, while José Tena added an RBI triple to the mix. The win was a much-needed boost for Washington, which improved to a modest 4-12 at home this season. For a team still finding its footing, every victory counts—especially against a Brewers squad that came in riding a three-game winning streak.
The game wasn't without its drama. In the ninth inning, Nationals right fielder James Wood lost track of Gary Sánchez's fly ball in the sun, allowing a one-out single off reliever Gus Varland. Richard Lovelady entered the fray and, after surrendering a single to Jake Bauers, induced a grounder from Garrett Mitchell that scored pinch-runner Blake Perkins. Lovelady then locked in, striking out Brandon Lockridge to secure his first save of the year.
On the mound, Zack Littell (1-4) battled through 3 2/3 innings, allowing just one run after PJ Poulin opened with two scoreless frames. For the Brewers, Logan Henderson—fresh off a call-up from Triple-A Nashville—was impressive in his second start of the season. He allowed two runs on three hits over six innings, striking out eight without issuing a walk. Henderson was perfect through four innings, but the Nationals finally broke through in the fifth.
Joey Ortiz gave Milwaukee an early 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly in the fifth, but Washington answered quickly. Abrams led off the bottom half with an infield single—the team's first hit—stole second, and scored on Nuñez's single. Tena followed with a triple to right-center, putting the Nationals ahead 2-1. Abrams struck again in the seventh, leading off with a single and scoring on another Nuñez single through a drawn-in infield.
The Brewers' Brandon Lockridge had a double and a single in a losing effort, while Nationals first baseman Luis García Jr. exited in the sixth inning with right wrist soreness—a concern for a team that relies on his steady glove and bat.
Looking ahead, the Brewers send RHP Chad Patrick (2-1, 2.57 ERA) to the mound against the Cardinals, while the Nationals host the Twins with RHP Cade Cavalli (1-1, 3.82) taking on RHP Taj Bradley (3-1, 2.85). For Nationals fans, this win is a reminder that even in a tough season, there's always a reason to keep the gear on and the faith alive.