Nationals Rally with Six Runs in Seventh to Defeat Padres 9-4

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals staged a dramatic comeback on Saturday, scoring six runs in the seventh inning to secure a 9-4 victory over the San Diego Padres. Luis García Jr. played a pivotal role in the rally, delivering a two-run single that capped off the explosive inning.

Despite only managing to hit two balls out of the infield during the seventh, the Nationals sent ten batters to the plate. The inning was marked by the ejection of Padres rookie manager Craig Stammen, as the first six batters for Washington crossed home plate.

San Diego had initially taken the lead thanks to Fernando Tatis Jr., who hit his first home run of the season, along with contributions from Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado. Drew Millas also added a homer for Washington, and he was involved in a crucial play during the seventh inning.

The Nationals began their rally with a single from CJ Abrams. José Tena's ground ball led to a diving stop by Tatis, but an inaccurate throw to first resulted in a fielder's choice. After a walk to Jorbit Vivas, Michael King (4-4) hit Dylan Crews with a pitch, allowing the first run to score.

The situation escalated when Bradgley Rodriguez, brought in to face Millas, induced a grounder to second. In a critical moment, Bogaerts was deemed off the base when receiving Tatis's throw, resulting in a review that upheld the call and led to Stammen's ejection after he protested. Bogaerts was credited with an error on the play.

Pinch-hitter Curtis Mead later walked, forcing in another run, and after James Wood struck out, García's single pushed the score to 6-3. Although Machado added an RBI double in the eighth to make it 7-4, Mead responded with a two-run double, solidifying the Nationals' lead. Brad Lord (3-0) earned the win, pitching scoreless fifth and sixth innings, while Clayton Beeter secured his third save by closing out the game.