The long-awaited return of Lane Thomas couldn’t have come at a better time. Week nine of the 2024 regular season saw the Nats win four of their six games including two of three in Atlanta. Washington wraps up the four-game series with a chance to win the series.
Nats Week in Review Week 10 of the 2024 Regular Season (May 30-June 4)
Game 55 Of The Regular Season, Game One For The Week
In the finale of the series against Atlanta, all of the scoring was early. Washington put up three runs in the top of the third inning and the Braves countered with one in their half of the inning.
Both teams had scoring chances later in the game but were unable to capitalize. Starting pitcher Trevor Williams did his job well in 5 2/3 innings. The bullpen also did what was needed. Closer Kyle Finnegan notched another save and the Nats had a 3-1 win and took the series by the same 3-1 margin. Next stop Cleveland for three against the Guardians.
Game 56 Of The Regular Season, Game Two For The Week
In the opener in Cleveland, the offense didn’t show up again. Cleveland jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. The Nats managed to scrape across a run in the top of the seventh on an RBI from Jessie Winker.
Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin was solid enough in his six innings pitched only giving up two earned runs. Unfortunately, the bullpen didn’t do their job giving up five additional runs late. With the offense quiet it still would have resulted in a loss even if the bullpen had come through. The first game of the series ended with the Nats falling 7-1.
Game 57 Of The Regular Season, Game Three For The Week
In the second game against the Guardians, Cleveland jumped ahead early 3-0 with two runs in the first and one in the third. Washington fought back with two of their own in the top of the fourth to cut the lead to one run.
Starting pitcher Mitchell Parker did enough to keep Washington in it in just over five innings pitched. The bullpen also did their job holding the Guardians scoreless the rest of the way. Unfortunately, the Nats couldn’t take advantage of any of their chances and dropped their second in a row this time by the count of 3-2.
Game 58 Of The Regular Season, Game Four for The Week
The best the Nationals could hope for was to salvage one game of the series to avoid a sweep.
This one turned out to be the second consecutive contest where all of the scoring was done early. Washington erupted for four runs in the top of the second and Cleveland countered with two in their half of the frame.
Starting pitcher Jake Irvin was impressive in his six innings pitched giving up only two runs. The Nats were able to tack on an additional run in the fourth. The bullpen was lights out for the second straight day including another save from closer Kyle Finnegan and the Nats left Cleveland feeling a little better about themselves in a 5-2 victory. Time to go home for three against the division-rival Mets.
Game 59 Of The Regular Season, Game Five For The Week
The first game of the series against New York would prove to be one of the most entertaining games of the still-young season.
After both teams tallied a run in the second inning, the fourth and fifth innings of this contest would prove to be the difference.
MacKenzie Gore was not sharp, surrendering six runs on seven hits with four walks versus only two strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings pitched.
The Mets put up two runs in the top of the fourth and Washington countered with three. New York then scored four times in the fifth and the Nats were able to push across just one. The Mets added another in the sixth and took a three-run advantage into the ninth.
The Nats put up a furious rally in the bottom of the ninth and were in a position to send it to extra innings or win it. But they only managed to score twice and fell 8-7.
Game 60 Of The Regular Season, Game Six For The Week
Nats starting pitcher DJ Herz unfortunately got a rude awakening going only 4 1/3 innings. The Mets scored five runs between the fourth and fifth innings.
The offense was again sluggish as the Nats only managed six hits with three coming from center fielder Jacob Young.
Even though the final score of 6-3 made the game seem somewhat competitive, the Nats were never really in it after falling behind and also never threatened to overtake New York.
Observations
The Nats were 2-4 for the week. While not out of the wild card race by any stretch, they are beginning to lose ground and the race for the second wild card spot is crowded. The return of Lane Thomas hasn’t yet provided dividends in the win/loss column but it can’t be attributed to any failure on his part.
Pitcher Josiah Gray remains on the IL however his return appears close. The time when the Nats need to make a move is rapidly approaching.
Nats Week in Review: Week One
Nats Week in Review: Week Two
Nats Week in Review: Week Three
Nats Week in Review: Week Four
Nats Week in Review: Week Five
Nats Week in Review: Week Six
Nats Week in Review: Week Seven
Nats Week in Review: Week Eight
Nats Week in Review: Week Nine
Main Image: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
