(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
CJ Abrams Lifts Nationals Past Athletics with Walk-Off Hit, Ending Losing Streak
Washington, D.C., August 7 — CJ Abrams came through in the clutch on Wednesday night, delivering a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Washington Nationals a 2-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics, snapping their six-game losing streak.
Abrams Delivers in the Ninth
Rookie Robert Hassell III got things started with a leadoff double off reliever Michael Kelly (2-1). After a groundout moved Hassell to third, Abrams lined a single to left field. Athletics outfielder Tyler Soderstrom tried to stop the run at home, but his throw was off target, allowing the winning run to score and sparking celebrations at Nationals Park.
Pitchers Shine After Offensive Outburst
The tight contest stood in sharp contrast to the previous night’s 16-7 slugfest, as both teams were limited to just four hits each. Jeffrey Springs, making his start for the A’s, was exceptional — retiring the first 15 batters he faced before Riley Adams broke the spell with a leadoff home run in the sixth, tying the game at 1-1.
Tyler Soderstrom had earlier provided Oakland with a 1-0 lead, launching his 20th home run to lead off the sixth.
Cade Cavalli Makes Long-Awaited Return
A major highlight for Washington was the return of Cade Cavalli, the 2020 first-round draft pick, who made just his second career start — nearly three years after his MLB debut. Cavalli pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings, showing promise in his return from Tommy John surgery, and left the mound to a standing ovation from Nationals fans.
Bullpen Holds Strong
Jose A. Ferrer (3-3) earned the win with a perfect inning of relief, continuing a solid effort by Washington’s bullpen.
Springs, despite taking a no-decision, was impressive — allowing only one hit and striking out five batters over six innings.
Up Next
With the win, the Nationals hope to build momentum and climb back into the wild card race, while the Athletics will look to bounce back in the next game of the series.
