The Nationals clawed back in this game, and got the game to a 3-3 tie but could not get the lead. Instead of going to today’s closer Fernando Rodney, manager Dave Martinez gave the inning to Matt Grace for the tied game in the 9th inning and he surrendered the walk-off home run to Maikel Franco. The Nats still won this series even though they lost today, and they head to Baltimore after a day-off tomorrow.
The Nationals had multiple opportunities in the game to take the lead including the 7th inning when they pushed two runs across and had runners on the corners with one out, but Adam Eaton tapped the ball back to the pitcher who cut down Howie Kendrick at the plate followed by an Anthony Rendon pop-up.
“We don’t quit,” manager Dave Martinez said. “That’s one thing I’ve said before, they don’t quit, they keep battling. Like I said, it was just unfortunate the game ended that way, but I loved the way we’re playing and we have a day off — come back strong against Baltimore.”
The Nationals are done with the Phillies until the last week of September and are 9-5 in their season’s series.
