Madison Bumgarner had his best outing of the season, allowing a run over five innings as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat Washington 5-2 Sunday after Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg was a late scratch.
Bumgarner (1-2) gave up just two hits and dropped his ERA from 11.20 to 8.68 through four starts. He struck out five and walked one, helping Arizona split the four-game series.
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Madison Bumgarner had his best outing of the season, allowing a run over five innings as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat Washington 5-2 Sunday after Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg was a late scratch.
Josh Rojas hit his first career leadoff homer, connecting against Nationals last-minute starter Paulo Espino. The 34-year-old Espino made his fourth career start in the majors and second with Washington.
Pavin Smith had an RBI double in the seventh as Arizona won for the second time in six games to improve to 6-10.
Nationals: Relief pitcher Wander Suero (left oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list and Washington recalled righty Ryne Harper from the alternate training site. Suero has a 1.42 ERA this season in eight appearances. ... LHP Jon Lester is schedule to throw a sim game Tuesday with manager Dave Martinez hoping he will get to five innings or 80-85 pitches. Lester was put on the injured list April 6 under COVID-19 protocols.
Nationals: RHP Joe Ross (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second straight start against the Cardinals as Washington’s homestand continues on Monday. Ross pitched six scoreless innings in Washington’s 6-0 win in St. Louis on April 14 in his last start.
Strasburg was placed on the 10-day injured list before first pitch with right shoulder inflammation. Strasburg felt discomfort after a bullpen session during the week, and later an MRI later revealed inflammation. Manager Dave Martinez said there was no timetable for his return.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Asdrúbal Cabrera is out on the tag by Washington Nationals second baseman Starlin Castro trying to reach second on a single, during the third inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Sunday, April 18, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoAlex Brandon)
Josh Rojas hit his first career leadoff homer, connecting against Nationals last-minute starter Paulo Espino. The 34-year-old Espino made his fourth career start in the majors and second with Washington.
Espino (0-1) pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed two earned runs and five hits while striking out three and giving up a walk. Two of those five hits were solo home runs — Carson Kelly led off the fourth with a shot to left field.
Trea Turner hit two solo homers, one to left field in the third off Bumgarner and his second of the game to center in the eighth off Taylor Clarke. It was Turner’s sixth multi-home run game and first since Sept. 20, 2019 at Miami. Turner has four homers this season. Washington dropped to 5-8.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Carson Kelly celebrates his solo home run with his teammates during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Sunday, April 18, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoAlex Brandon)
Pavin Smith had an RBI double in the seventh as Arizona won for the second time in six games to improve to 6-10.
Stefan Crichton earned his first save of the season.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Diamondbacks: Placed OF Tim Locastro on the 10-day injured with a dislocated left pinkie finger. Locastro was hurt Saturday while trying to extend his major league record of 29 consecutive stolen bases to begin a career. Nick Heath, acquired from Kansas City in a trade on Saturday, replaced Locastro in the outfield and had three hits.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Paolo Espino throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Sunday, April 18, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoAlex Brandon)
Nationals: Relief pitcher Wander Suero (left oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list and Washington recalled righty Ryne Harper from the alternate training site. Suero has a 1.42 ERA this season in eight appearances. ... LHP Jon Lester is schedule to throw a sim game Tuesday with manager Dave Martinez hoping he will get to five innings or 80-85 pitches. Lester was put on the injured list April 6 under COVID-19 protocols.
UP NEXT
Diamondbacks: RHP Zac Gallen (0-0, 2.25 ERA) will take the mound in the series opener at Cincinnati on Tuesday. Gallen lost his only previous start against the Reds in 2019.
Washington Nationals Trea Turner, right, celebrates his solo home run with Ryan Zimmerman during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Sunday, April 18, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoAlex Brandon)
Nationals: RHP Joe Ross (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second straight start against the Cardinals as Washington’s homestand continues on Monday. Ross pitched six scoreless innings in Washington’s 6-0 win in St. Louis on April 14 in his last start.
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Arizona Diamondbacks' Josh Rojas celebrates his solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Sunday, April 18, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoAlex Brandon)