The lead
May 30, 2026 - Washington - Luis García Jr.'s two-run single highlighted a six-run seventh inning, and the Washington Nationals rallied past the San Diego Padres 9-4 at Nationals Park, per the Associated Press recap on CBS Sports.
Washington scored eight runs in the final two frames after Fernando Tatis Jr.'s first homer of 2026 helped San Diego build a 3-1 lead.
How the game turned
Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, and Tatis homered for the Padres. Drew Millas answered with a solo shot in the third for 1-1.
The Nationals broke through in the seventh against Michael King (4-4): CJ Abrams singled, José Tena reached on a fielder's choice when Tatis' throw pulled Xander Bogaerts off the bag—Bogaerts was charged an error on a reviewed play that led to rookie manager Craig Stammen's first ejection. Curtis Mead walked in a run, and García's single made it 6-3.
Daylen Lile beat out a potential inning-ending double play for another run. Machado's RBI double made it 7-4 in the eighth before Mead's two-run double sealed 9-4. Brad Lord (3-0) won with two scoreless innings.
Pitching and matchup notes
Washington sent 10 men to the plate in the seventh but only two balls left the infield in the frame, per AP. Clayton Beeter recorded four outs for his third save.
AthX Engine graded the Nationals at 17 team FP with Mead at 9 hitting FP.
Bats that changed the board
Tatis celebrated his long-awaited first homer like a weight lifted. The Nationals' offense—the best in baseball by several measures—woke up late again after a quiet first six innings, per The Banner.
AthX Engine fantasy angle
A 17 team FP comeback built on walks, errors, and contact—not power—shows AthX Engine grading process over highlight-reel homers. Daily scoring remains separate from dynamic pricing.
What comes next
Zack Littell faces Griffin Canning in Sunday's finale, per AP.
*Sources: MLB.com schedule, CBS Sports recap, TSN recap, AthX Engine scoring. Information only; not financial advice.*
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