Nats Drop Series Opener, Bullpen Falters

0:00On April 2nd, the Washington Nationals dropped their first series of the season to the Phillies, with a tough walkoff single in the bottom of the 10th inning on Wednesday. They were just one out from staying above 500 after a strong start, but late heroics forced extras and sealed the frustrating loss. Cade Cavali delivered another solid outing, striking out three and allowing just one earned, run over six innings while keeping the nets ahead. CJ Abrams then smashed a three-run homer for some insurance, but the bullpen couldn't hold it down after that. Manager Blake Boutera said the clubhouse was dead quiet post-game, assigned these guys are fired up and competitive. They hate losing. He praised Cavali and the early relievers for battling a stack Phillies lineup, but pointed to issues like walks putting runners on base. Six different arms came in after Cavali, giving up four earned runs on seven hits over 78 pitches, including solo shots to key Phillies. Hitters, Boutera stressed getting ahead in counts, like with that walk to Kyle Schwarber that sparked the rally.

1:02The nets get a reset on their off day, Thursday before the home opener, Friday at 105 pm, against the strong Dodger squad time to shake it off and lock in that bullpen early. That's her update from Washington Nationals News Today, powered by AI.