Game 85: Nats at Orioles

After hanging on in extra innings Saturday night, the Nationals now try to win the series this afternoon at Camden Yards

BALTIMORE – So … how was Saturday night’s game?

The Nationals found a way to win, eking out a 4-3 victory over the Orioles in 10 innings despite another blown save in the eighth and near-disaster in the bottom of the 10th. Ultimately, Justin Lawrence (in his team debut) pulled it out, with a major assist (literally) from CJ Abrams at shortstop. Foster Griffin didn’t get the win, but his seven brilliant innings put them in a position to win, and the lefty continues to impress.

So, now it’s on to today’s series finale, the rubber game of the weekend. The Nats will have a shot at winning another road series, though it’s anyone’s guess how Blake Butera will manage his pitching staff in this one. Zack Littell is the scheduled starter, and he will get the start instead of pitching behind an opener. That frees up PJ Poulin to pitch later in the game if needed. Who would Butera summon for the save, if it comes to that? Lost amid the other chaos Saturday night was a 1-2-3 top of the ninth by Clayton Beeter, who struck out two and had his best stuff in a while. That would be a nice development for the team if he can keep that going.

The Nationals could really use a productive James Wood for the first time in more than a week. The big guy is laboring through his first true slump since the season’s first week, and Saturday night Butera actually pulled him for defense in the late innings, a move the manager insisted wasn’t tied to his recent offensive struggles. Wood will look to get himself back on track today against right-hander Kyle Bradish, whom he has never faced before.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Where: Camden Yards
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: Nationals TV (channel listings)
Radio: 106.7 FM
Weather: Overcast, 77 degrees, 5 mph in from right

NATIONALS
DH James Wood
1B Luis García Jr.
3B Curtis Mead
SS CJ Abrams
RF Dylan Crews
LF Daylen Lile
CF Jacob Young
2B Jorbit Vivas
C Keibert Ruiz

RHP Zack Littell

ORIOLES
LF Taylor Ward
SS Gunnar Henderson
C Adley Rutschmann
DH Pete Alonso
1B Samuel Basallo
RF Dylan Beavers
3B Coby Mayo
CF Colton Cowser
2B Jackson Holliday

RHP Kyle Bradish