In their first series after the trade deadline, the Washington Nationals took two of three from the Milwaukee Brewers. Even with some of this season’s regular contributors now playing for other teams – Dylan Floro, Lane Thomas and Jesse Winker, to name a few – the Nats are still nobody’s pushover.
Sunday’s 4-3 series-clinching nail-biter was powered by Luis Garcia’s solo homer and James Wood’s three-run triple. Kyle Finnegan earned his 30th save in 34 chances. He is the first National with 30 or more saves in a season since Rafael Soriano’s 32 in 2014.
New names to know
Alex Call has seized his opportunity to take Lane Thomas’ spot in right field, batting a robust .433. Despite his iffy defensive play at first, Juan Yepez’s .330 average is helping fans not miss Joey Meneses too much. Travis Blankenhorn has just one hit in 12 at-bats, but it was a key two-run double that helped the Nats win Saturday’s game.
And while he’s not a new name, Luis Garcia has gone five for eight with a pair of homers in the past two games. Young lefties DJ Herz and Mitchell Parker had strong performances against the Brewers; Herz gave up just two hits in five innings Saturday, and Parker allowed three hits in six innings Sunday.
Home stand continues
The San Francisco Giants visit Washington for four games beginning Monday; then the Los Angeles Angels arrive for three weekend games. Expect the scrappy Nats to give both teams all they can handle and finish the weekend with a winning home stand.
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