The fifth inning changed everything. Washington erased a one-run deficit with two quick strikes, then held on for a 3-2 victory over Milwaukee at Nationals Park.
Cal Abrams went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, carrying a .297 average with 8 home runs and 27 RBIs this season. Jose Tena delivered the decisive blow with a triple that drove in one run, going 1-for-2 on the night.
Milwaukee struck first when Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly to center, bringing Lockridge home for a 1-0 lead in the third. Washington answered immediately as Nuñez singled to center, scoring Abrams to tie the game. Moments later, Tena tripled to center, driving in Nuñez for a 2-1 advantage. The Nationals added insurance in the seventh when Nuñez singled to left, bringing Abrams around again for a 3-1 lead.
Logan Henderson took the loss despite a strong effort, allowing 2 runs over 6.0 innings with 8 strikeouts and carrying a 4.50 ERA. Zack Littell earned the win with 3.2 innings of one-run ball, improving to 1-4 with a 7.24 ERA. Milwaukee managed a late threat when Mitchell grounded out to second in the ninth, scoring Perkins to cut the deficit to 3-2, but could not find the equalizer.
Washington extended its winning streak to two games and improved to 15-17. Milwaukee fell to 16-14 after winning its previous game.