Washington Nationals news & notes: Nats rally late, hold on this time, 9-8 over D-backs

Front Page – Big Comeback:

The night after they scored five runs in the top of the ninth and took a 7–6 lead on Arizona’s D-back, Kyle Finnegan imploded and gave up two runs in the bottom of the inning as the home team. The Washington Nationals took the lead Sunday by scoring three in the ninth inning, but this time Hunter Harvey locked it down, earning his first career save in the process to seal the comeback victory. maintained.

The comeback began in the seventh, with the Knotts scoring twice for 7–5 on two runs, but the D-backs fought back with an 8–5 run in the bottom of the inning.

Davey Martinez’s club wasn’t done yet, scoring a run in the eighth inning, 8-6, three runs in the ninth, and Joey Meneses’ three-run homer to ninth in his second of the 2023 campaign. .-8 nationals.

A day after Finnegan’s struggle, Harvey avoided a one-out walk and a sweep of the visiting Nationals to secure the win. diamondbacks Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

Luis Garcia doubled 3-4 in Sunday’s game and started nine rallies. Meneses won 3–5, scoring two runs and driving in four.

Stone Garrett and CJ Abrams also had multi-hit games, but every nut in the lineup contributed at least one knock in a 15-hit blast.

“They had a lot of heart,” Martinez said after winning the finale against the D-backs.

“And they play together,” he added. “They feel like they can never be beaten. Another great example of how they fought back today and had a big 15 hits. We scored a lot and swung the bat. ”

Martinez said he needed to improve his pitching after Trevor Williams allowed seven hits, two walks and five earned runs in four games. ¹⁄₃ IP, Andrés Machado charged with just two runs ²⁄₃ of innings.Thaddeus Ward allowed a run and four walks. ²⁄₃ innings too.

Combined, the club walked 11 batters in three-thirds of the AZ.

“Walking is killing us,” Martinez said. “We have to start striking again, give ourselves a chance and try to make this game less fun. But I always say a win is a win. We’ve got to keep it going, we’re going up against another tough team in San Francisco, so come out with a win and have a great plan to see them tomorrow. I’ll pick you up.”

What were his thoughts when he saw Meneses home run on a 0-1 fastball off reliever Miguel Castro?

“You’re thinking of going again, aren’t you?” Martinez said. “Herbie was fresh because we took the lead, so I decided to go with Harvey today and he did a great job.

“Again, it’s a walk, isn’t it? But hey, he came back, started throwing strikes, and he did well.

Were there any concerns going into the bottom of the ninth after what happened Saturday night?

“For me and the coaching staff, no,” the coach told reporters.

“We’re doing our due diligence, so this is who we are, and we need to get three outs.

“So yesterday I felt good with Harvey and fine with Finnegan. Yesterday it didn’t work, but today it worked.”

BACK PAGE – Robles to IL; Al to San Francisco:

Victor Robles ended Saturday’s game early after nudging something in his back on a steal attempt to take second place.

Before Sunday’s finale with the D-backs, Nats skipper Davey Martinez said he was concerned about players like Robles dealing with back problems.

“With the way he’s playing, it’s definitely a little bit worrying,” Martinez explained. “He’s had treatment. He’s going to have more treatment. We’ll keep an eye on it and hopefully it gets better. If not, we’ll have to think of something else. All day. I’m going to talk to my trainer and see how he’s doing.”

When he spoke to reporters again after the Nationals’ comeback win, Martinez said the club would indeed place Robles in IL.

“We’re going to put him in IL. Hopefully we’ll call Jake Al. Hopefully he’ll be here on time. [Robles] We’ll have time to see if we can get it out of there,” says Martinez, referring to the problem as a back spasm.

Al, 26, was selected in the 24th round of 2019 and will make his MLB debut if he plays. why did he get the call?

Staff photo: Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

“With a left-handed bat, he can play multiple positions,” Martinez said. “So we’re going to bring him here to take the plate.”

Keibert Ruiz out of mini-slump:

Keibert Ruiz went 18-0 and went 3-2 in the D-backs on Saturday, dropping to .238 from a .281 AVG that year. The 24-year-old catcher chased him down the field in his second at-bat, where he doubled and hit from the right side against Diamondbacks left-handed Tommy Henry, with Lewis pitching as a right-handed reliever. Scott home. In the top of the ninth inning, McGuff rose from the left side and lost 8-7.

What was different for Lewis on Saturday?

“One, he stayed right-handed and a little better,” said manager Davey Martinez after two straight losses to the D-backs. Off, there were some tough pitches but he stayed behind and used his legs. That’s his key. ”

Lewis finished the night batting .248/.311/.376 with five doubles, three homers, eight walks, 11Ks and 119 plate appearances in 28 games on the season. fWAR.

He closed out the series with a 1-for-5 game in the Nationals’ 9-8 win.