Unfortunately, it wasn’t hard to see this one coming. Sustained success is something that’s eluded the Nationals for the majority of this season, so the idea of sweeping the Reds seemed like a pretty high mountain to climb, despite the solid performances of the past two nights. That being said, there’s still plenty of room to complain about what we just watched because three pitchers have now thrown complete game shutouts against the Nats this season in just 102 games.
Just like last night, the two starters traded zeroes for the first three innings, Michael Soroka had to battle some control issues to do it, but managed to take what he had and turn it into a good outing. The Reds took advantage of a leadoff walk in the top of the fourth against Soroka, as Elly De La Cruz came around to score on an RBI single by Jake Fraley.
That would be all the Reds would get against Soroka this afternoon, as he’s now put together two straight solid starts following the break.
On the offensive side, the success we’ve enjoyed the last two nights did not return today. Nick Lodolo was masterful all afternoon, allowing three singles across the first four innings, but going the final five allowing just one hit over those innings. The Nats did not ever have more than one runner on base at any time today, and were held completely in check by Lodolo.
- Nick Lodolo: 9 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 8 strikeouts, 105 pitches
- Michael Soroka: 5.2 innings, 2 hits, 1 run (1 earned), 3 walks, 6 strikeouts, 88 pitches
The Nats’ bullpen made any hopes of a comeback go away in the top of the eighth. Jackson Rutledge came in and allowed three straight hits, the third being an RBI double by Noelvi Marte to make it 2-0, and then the next batter, Jose Trevino, hit what should have been a three-run homer to center if Jacob Young didn’t scale the wall and bring it back. One of the best defensive plays of the season across the whole league limited Cincinnati to just one run on the play, and a 3-0 lead after eight.
The Reds got two more in the ninth against Andry Lara, the first one scoring on a bunt single that was thrown away by Brady House, allowing the run to score. The second run scored on the next play, a ground ball double play. That 5-0 score would hold, and Lodolo finished off his shutout quickly in the bottom of the ninth to end the series and the homestand.
The Nats got out of this six game home stand with a 3-3 record, considering the competition, things could’ve gone a lot worse. That’s the biggest positive I have from today’s game. Soroka, Cole Henry, and Konnor Pilkington all pitched very well today, those are the only individual shoutouts to be given today. Jacob Young’s defensive gem in center can earn him one for today too, as that could be the front runner for play of the year for the Nats.
The Nationals have a day off tomorrow to travel to Minnesota where they’ll begin a three-game set with the Twins on Friday night. Mackenzie Gore (4-9, 3.59 ERA) will get the ball for the Nats to open the series, looking to bounce back from what was one of the worst outings of his career last Sunday against San Diego. He’ll be opposed by right-hander Zebby Matthews (1-2, 6.26 ERA) who’s had his share of struggles in a short time in the big leagues. It certainly looks like a serious matchup advantage on paper for the Nats, we’ll see if they can kick off the series with a win on Friday night.
