The Nationals were low-energy in a 3-1 game they trailed before a lengthy 2-hour rain delay invigorated them as they came out on fire with a 2-out rally from Adam Eaton (double), Trea Turner RISP single and stolen base followed by two walks and then a Juan Soto bases loaded single for the go ahead RBIs and capped off by a wild pitch to make the score 5-3.
“It was awesome. A testament to the boys — they don’t quit,” manager Dave Martinez said. “First and foremost, I’m glad we were able to play and finish the game because it was a close game…We were able to comeback and have a big win.”
In the top of the 9th inning, Justin Miller came in for the save and quickly gave up a solo home run to make the score 5-4, but then buckled down to get the final 3-outs and deal a gut punch to the Milwaukee Brewers.
This game was started by Stephen Strasburg who went 6.0 innings and originally gave up no earned runs but a scoring change made the two runs that scored as earned runs. The official scorer ruled an error on Rendon who could not field a groundball that bounced away and then was compounded by an inexcusable lack of hustle after Rendon went after the ball that got past him in an effort that could be described as slo-motion jog which allowed a Brewers run to score (video below).
“To be able to pull one out there makes it worth it,” Strasburg said.
These rain impaired games have become almost commonplace in the wettest summer ever in Washington, D.C., and for those who stayed awake past midnight in the east, they were treated to an Insta-Classic. The announced crowd of 30,875 was whittled down to a few hundred who remained in the stadium for the conclusion after a near 2-hour rain delay. The Nationals could have fallen two-games below .500 if they lost, but instead are back to .500 with this win.
