WASHINGTON -- In an exciting matchup on Tuesday night, rookie Dylan Crews showcased his talent by hitting a tiebreaking home run in the second inning, leading the Washington Nationals to a 5-3 victory against the Atlanta Braves. This game marked a significant moment for Crews, who was selected as the second overall pick in the 2023 MLB amateur draft.
Crews made a notable impact in the game, hitting a solo home run with two outs in the second inning off of Atlanta ace Spencer Strider. This impressive shot broke a 3-all tie and energized the Nationals’ fans. In his next plate appearance in the fifth inning, Crews walked but was replaced by Nasim Nuñez in center field during the top of the sixth inning due to discomfort from a sore left side and lower back. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Wednesday to assess the injury.
On the opposing side, Matt Olson continued his strong season by hitting his 10th home run for the Braves. Strider, who was making his second start after recovering from a hamstring strain, completed 4 1/3 innings, throwing 75 pitches but unfortunately fell to a 0-2 record for the season.
The Nationals got off to a strong start, with Keibert Ruiz doubling in the team's first run. Following that, Luis García Jr. contributed with an RBI single, and Strider’s wild pitch allowed the third run of the first inning to cross the plate. As the game progressed, Nathaniel Lowe's sacrifice fly in the seventh inning added valuable insurance runs for Washington.
Left-hander Mitchell Parker pitched effectively for the Nationals, allowing three runs over 5 1/3 innings, while the bullpen, including Cole Henry, Aaron Bummer, and Jorge López, successfully bridged the gap to Kyle Finnegan, who closed the game with a perfect ninth inning, securing his 15th save of the season.
One of the pivotal moments of the game occurred after Atlanta scored three runs in the second inning, tying the game. Crews took advantage of a 3-0 pitch from Strider with two outs, launching a spectacular 404-foot home run that landed halfway up the left-field lower deck. This home run not only contributed to the win but also marked the completion of Crews' first set of home runs in consecutive games; he had hit a three-run shot in a prior game against Baltimore.
As the series continues, Atlanta's rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver (3-2) will take the mound on Wednesday, aiming to extend his impressive season. Smith-Shawver has allowed only eight hits and two runs (one earned) over his last three starts, spanning 19 2/3 innings, which has lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.33. The Nationals will counter with right-hander Trevor Williams, who currently holds a 2-5 record.
