Twins Edge Nationals 1-0 Behind Matthews' Stellar Performance

Zebby Matthews delivered an impressive performance on the mound, allowing just two hits over six scoreless innings, leading the Minnesota Twins to a narrow 1-0 victory against the Washington Nationals on Friday night. This marked a significant start for Matthews, who was making his return after a six-week recovery from a shoulder strain.

Byron Buxton's sacrifice fly in the fifth inning provided the only run Matthews (2-2) needed to clinch his first win since returning from injury. The 25-year-old right-hander showcased his skills, striking out six batters and issuing no walks, while maintaining a shutout for the first time in his major league career.

Matthews dominated the Nationals' lineup, not allowing a ball to leave the infield until Luis García Jr. hit a two-out double in the fourth inning. The Nationals have now gone 21 consecutive innings without scoring, struggling to find their rhythm at the plate.

On the other side, MacKenzie Gore (4-10) faced challenges of his own, matching his career high with six walks but limiting the damage to just one hit over five innings. His wild pitches allowed Matt Wallner to advance to third base, setting up Buxton's crucial fly ball that brought in the game's only run.

The Twins entered this matchup five games behind in the race for the last AL wild-card spot, with five teams ahead of them. However, they have found success at Target Field, winning nine of their last twelve home games. With five more games scheduled at home and a current record of 29-20 this season, the Twins are looking to capitalize before the trade deadline approaches.

In the eighth inning, Daylen Lile managed a one-out double off Griffin Jax, but Jax quickly regained control by striking out Riley Adams on three pitches. After walking Jacob Young, Jax secured the final out by getting CJ Abrams to fly out, ending the threat.

The Nationals have not scored since their sixth inning against Cincinnati on Tuesday, highlighting their offensive struggles. Looking ahead, Mitchell Parker (6-10, 5.00 ERA) is set to pitch for the Nationals on Saturday night, while All-Star Joe Ryan (10-4, 2.63 ERA) will take the mound for the Twins.