sports📡 ESPNcricinfoJun 13, 2026👁 0 views

After Rain Delay, Mariners Flush Nationals to Open Series

After Rain Delay, Mariners Flush Nationals to Open Series

After Rain Delay, Mariners Flush Nationals to Open Series
Ahmed GhafirSat, June 13, 2026 at 3:59 AM UTC·2 min read

After a humbling end to the road trip and two hour rain delay to start Friday's contest, the Washington Nationals weren't able to shake the stench of Wednesday's loss after opening the series against the Seattle Mariners with a 10-2 loss.

Zack Littell struggled in the loss, another humbling showing after a strong May and efficient last start against Arizona, but Friday night proved to be anything but that. Littel lasted just 1.2 innings after giving up five earned runs and four hits, including a home run, while being held without a strikeout for just the second time this season. His 1.2 innings also marked his shortest outing of the year, adding to the inconsistency out of the Nationals' pitching staff this season.

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Seattle took control of the game in the top of the second inning and never looked back after Littel allowed the first three batters faced reach base, capped off by a two run RBI triple into center to open the scoring. A sac fly and two-run shot put Seattle ahead, 5-0, all while Littell had just one out to show for it. Riley Cornelio ended the frame with a grounder, but the damage had been done.

James Wood would proved one of the lone highlights after hitting a 416 foot leadoff home run, his 19th and fourth leadoff home run of the season, to get the Nationals on the board after accounting for the team's lone two hits through the first five innings.

Meanwhile, Seattle blew the game open with Cornelio on the mound after a pair of walks eventually loaded the bases before a wild pitch drove in the first run and RBI single brought in the last two base runners.

The two teams traded solo shots in the eighth inning to close the game's scoring, including a 440 foot home run from Dylan Crews for his third of the season, while also marking the Nationals' fourth and final hit in the loss. Washington also finished with eight strikeouts as both Jacob Young and CJ Abrams accounted for two each on Friday night.

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With the loss, the Nationals fall to .500 overall once again, along with 12-21 at home, and will now look to avoid their second three-game losing streak of the month when the two teams meet again on Saturday afternoon. Cade Cavalli is expected to make the start with first pitch set for 4:05 PM EST.

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