Anthony Rendon is having a MVP-caliber season at the plate, but he has also flashed his glove when the Washington Nationals need him most. Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles, Rendon flashed his glove at a critical time that helped preserve the Nationals’ lead in rout to an 8-4 win.
The Nationals used a five-run first inning to jump out in front of the Orioles. However, the Orioles rallied in the fifth cutting the Nationals’ deficit to 5-2. With runners on first and second base, Trey Mancini hit a liner that appeared to get through the gap for at least an RBI. However, Rendon made a great diving stop before turning a 5-4-3 double play to end the inning and get Washington out of the jam.
Max Scherzer had allowed two runs through 4 1/3 innings when he yielded a lead-off homer to Chance Sisco. Then he allowed back-to-back infield singles raising his pitch count to 89, forcing manager Davey Martinez to make a switch to the bullpen.
Wander Suero, who has had his fair share of struggles this season, was called to the mound. It appeared he was about to give up an RBI-single, but Rendon’s defensive prowess prevented disaster.
