Juan Soto returned from the 10-day Injured List, however, it was Gerardo Parra whole stole the headlines. Appearing in his second game since signing with the Washington Nationals on Friday, Parra recorded his first hit with his new club.
It was a huge one, as he delivered on a clutch grand slam in the eight inning to lift the Nationals to a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With the bases loaded and trailing 2-1 in the eighth with two outs, Parra got on top of a four-seam fastball from Dodgers reliever Dylan Floro, sending it soaring into the stands at right-centerfield.
The win snapped a six-series losing streak of the Nationals, who are assured at least a split in the four-game series.
Juan Soto Delivers Huge in Return
While Parra gets the headline, Soto still delivered. He fought through a nine-pitch at-bat against Scott Alexander, ripping a bases loaded RBI-single in the eighth.
Soto had missed eight games and was placed on the IL with back spasms.
Soto’s RBI came two batters before Parra’s grand slam. It was part of a five-run rally in the eighth. With Soto back, the Nationals’ order gets better. Anthony Rendon returned earlier this week, and with Victor Robles hitting in front of Soto, teams are inclined to pick their poison.
In the game-defining inning, Robles drew a five-pitch walk to load the bases. Soto delivered one batter later to get Washington on the board. Rendon would strikeout but Parra stepped in accordingly.
It’s one game, but Soto’s presence makes the Nationals’ lineup that more potent.
Max Scherzer Finally Rewarded with Win
Max Scherzer (2-4) finally got a win. The Nats ace had recorded one win in his first eight starts, despite leading the majors in strikeouts.
Scherzer struck out seven, allowing five hits, and a Justin Turner two-run homer through seven innings. He kept the Nationals at bay despite the cold bats much of the night, but Washington picked him with the five runs in the eighth.
More importantly, the bullpen held up. Wander Suero and Sean Doolittle kept the Dodgers hitless through the final two innings to preserve the win.
Scherzer has struck out seven or more batters in all nine of his starts. Seven of those starts he has allowed three or fewer runs. However, he was on a five-game non-win streak.
He appeared to be the happiest National when Parra hit his grand slam.
Washington closes out the series Sunday with the Dodgers hoping to win the first series since they took two of three against the San Francisco Giants Apr. 16-18.
