The Washington Nationals defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 on Sunday at Nationals Park, completing a three-game sweep fueled by a four-run eighth inning. Daylen Lile tripled to key the decisive rally, while Jacob Young and Dylan Crews added crucial RBIs. With the loss, the Angels dropped to 56-93, leaving the team with 13 games remaining to avoid its first 100-loss season in franchise history.
How the Nationals Secured the Sweep in the Eighth Inning
Entering the eighth inning trailing 4-2, the Nationals mounted a comeback against the Los Angeles bullpen. Yohandy Morales singled off reliever Luke Murphy, setting the stage for Lile’s triple off the fence in right-center. Pinch-hitter Jorbit Vivas followed with an RBI single to tie the game 4-4.
Murphy was chased from the game, and Young delivered a go-ahead double before Crews added a two-out RBI single off Sammy Peralta. Jack Sinclair then entered to pitch, allowing a run-scoring groundout to Christian Moore before striking out Zach Neto to earn his first professional save.
Did You Know? The sweep marked the first time the Nationals have ever swept the Angels across 12 all-time series between the two franchises, according to game records.
Angels’ Missed Opportunities and Upcoming Schedules
The Angels had reclaimed a 4-2 lead in the top of the eighth inning without recording a hit. Following a leadoff walk to Neto against bulk reliever Jake Irvin, Washington pitcher Erik Tolman loaded the bases by walking Wade Meckler and allowing shortstop CJ Abrams to boot Vaughn Grissom’s grounder. Tolman subsequently threw a wild pitch that allowed Neto to score, and Moisés Ballesteros lofted a sacrifice fly to bring in Meckler.
Ballesteros and Neto also provided solo home runs earlier in the contest for Los Angeles, with Neto matching his career high of 26 home runs. The Angels’ bullpen was stretched thin during the finale, with manager Kurt Suzuki noting that the team was missing several relief options.
What Happens Next
The Los Angeles Angels are scheduled to play a Monday game against visiting Seattle, with left-hander Reid Detmers (5-8, 3.32 ERA) slated to start against Seattle left-hander Kade Anderson (1-1, 4.29 ERA). Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals return home for a Tuesday night matchup against Philadelphia, featuring Washington left-hander Jackson Kent (1-4, 6.59 ERA) against Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sánchez (17-5, 2.79 ERA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Sunday’s game?
The Washington Nationals defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-5.
What milestone is Los Angeles trying to avoid?
The Angels must win at least seven of their final 13 games to avoid the first 100-loss season in franchise history.
Who recorded the final out for Washington?
Jack Sinclair secured his first career professional save by getting Christian Moore on a run-scoring groundout and striking out Zach Neto.