Nationals Defeat Twins 7-2, Extend Minnesota's Losing Streak

CJ Abrams launched a leadoff home run, stole three bases, and crossed home plate three times, leading the Washington Nationals to a 7-2 victory against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

Jake Irvin, a native of the Twin Cities, made his debut at Target Field, pitching seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits. His performance improved his record to 8-5. Meanwhile, Josh Bell contributed significantly with a 3-for-4 outing that included an RBI.

For Minnesota, Matt Wallner hit a home run, and Harrison Bader added two hits. The Twins have struggled recently, losing six of their last nine games since the All-Star break.

In the fourth inning, Daylen Lile tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly from Paul DeJong, giving the Nationals a 3-2 lead.

Washington extended their lead in the fifth inning, scoring four runs off Travis Adams (1-1). The rally was highlighted by Alex Call's two-run single.

Abrams wasted no time, hitting the first pitch from Twins opener Cole Sands for his 14th home run of the season. After Wallner's homer tied the game in the second inning, Abrams quickly responded by leading off the third with a single. He then stole second and third before scoring on Luis García Jr.'s sacrifice fly.

The Twins managed to tie it again in the bottom of the third with Trevor Larnach's sacrifice fly.

With a 4-2 lead, the Nationals loaded the bases in the fifth inning with one out. Call's grounder appeared destined for an inning-ending double play, but instead, it deflected off the mound and sailed over second baseman Brooks Lee's head for a two-run single.

Abrams has now recorded five leadoff home runs this season and boasts a total of 12 in his career across 470 games.

Looking ahead, Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.14 ERA) is set to pitch for the Twins on Monday as they begin a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. The Nationals will head to Houston, where Brad Lord (2-5, 3.39) will take the mound on Monday.