Nationals Dominate Twins 9-3 with Strong Offense

CJ Abrams delivered a pivotal three-run double against Minnesota's All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan, while Alex Call contributed significantly with a home run and three RBIs. Luis García Jr. also joined the power display, homering as the Washington Nationals triumphed over the Twins 9-3 on Saturday night.

Mitchell Parker (7-10) showcased his skills on the mound, allowing two runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings, marking his second consecutive win. Luis García secured four outs, and Jackson Rutledge permitted a run in the eighth inning before Andrew Chafin sealed the game with a scoreless ninth.

Drew Millas had an impressive night, going 3 for 4 at the plate. He initiated the third inning with a leadoff single against Ryan, subsequently stealing second base. Call stepped up as a pinch hitter, delivering an RBI single that put the Nationals ahead 1-0 after Jacob Young exited due to a foul ball that struck his right index finger.

García extended the lead in the fourth inning, launching his eighth home run to make it 2-0.

Abrams capitalized on an error by second baseman Brooks Lee, who dropped a pop-up in shallow right field, loading the bases with nobody out in the fifth. On the very first pitch from Ryan, Abrams hit a three-run double, propelling Washington forward. Ryan (10-5) managed to retire the next three batters but finished with four earned runs and six hits against him.

In the sixth inning, Royce Lewis responded with an RBI single, and Ty France followed with a two-out RBI double that chased Parker from the game, narrowing the score to 5-2.

Call opened the seventh inning with his third home run—a powerful opposite-field shot to right off Justin Topa—extending the Nationals' lead to 6-2. García doubled and later scored on Josh Bell's single in the eighth. Bell then crossed home plate on a wild pitch, while Call added an RBI fielder's choice to cap off the scoring.

Byron Buxton struggled at the plate, going 0 for 3 before leaving after six innings due to soreness in his left side; he is currently listed as day-to-day.

Abrams' impactful double came immediately after Lee's error, setting the tone for Washington's commanding performance.

This victory ties the all-time series between the two teams at 13 wins apiece.

Looking ahead, Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (7-5, 4.81) is set to start on Sunday, while the Twins have yet to announce their starting pitcher.