Nationals use a 10-run first inning to beat the reeling Diamondbacks, 11-7

PHOENIX (AP) — Luis García Jr. had a double and three RBIs during a 10-run first inning for the Washington Nationals, who held on late to beat the reeling Arizona Diamondbacks 11-7 on Saturday night.

Washington has won 11 of 15 games and scored at least nine runs in four straight games. Arizona has dropped nine of 10.

The Nationals' first 11 batters reached base and they scored nine runs before the D-backs recorded an out, which was the second-most in the big leagues since 1961. The Boston Red Sox scored 10 runs before the Florida Marlins got an out in a game on June 27, 2003, according to Elias Sports.

Arizona's Brandon Pfaadt (7-4) lasted just eight batters, giving up eight earned runs on six hits. He also hit two batters. The Nationals sent 16 batters to the plate in the first and it took 30 minutes for the D-backs to get three outs.

Arizona rallied with two runs in the fourth and five more in the sixth. Randal Grichuk's two-run homer cut it to 11-7. He finished with three hits.

Washington starter Michael Soroka (2-3) retired the first 11 batters he faced before Geraldo Perdomo hitting a looping single into right field in the fourth. Josh Naylor followed with a two-run homer.

Soroka gave up four runs on six hits and a walk through 5 1/3 innings. He struck out three.

Washington's C.J. Abrams was hit by a pitch three times. James Wood, Robert Hassell III, Keibert Ruiz and Daylen Lile all had two hits.

Pfaadt recorded two strikes on Abrams — the game's leadoff hitter — before hitting him on the foot with a pitch, starting the 10-run avalanche.

Pfaadt's ERA ballooned from 3.90 to 5.05. D-backs pitchers hit five batters.

The D-backs send RHP Corbin Burnes (3-2, 2.72 ERA) to the mound Sunday while the Nationals counter with LHP Mitchell Parker (4-4, 4.65).

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suárez (28) and Josh Naylor celebrate after scoring runs against the Washington Nationals on a triple hit by Pavin Smith in the sixth inning during a baseball game, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Washington Nationals pitcher Michael Soroka throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during a baseball game, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt leaves after giving up nine runs to the Washington Nationals in the first inning during a baseball game, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Washington Nationals' Josh Bell (19) celebrates with José Tena (8) after scoring a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks on a double hit by Keibert Ruiz in the first inning during a baseball game, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Washington Nationals' Nathaniel Lowe hits an RBI double against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during a baseball game, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

For the first time in 20 years, rain is expected to intrude on the Rose Parade in Southern California, a venerable New Year's Day event that attracts thousands of spectators and is watched by millions more on TV.

Storms caused Christmas week flooding, mudslides and other miseries across the region. Now comes a 100% chance of rain Thursday in Pasadena, the National Weather Service said.

“We try not to say that word around here,” joked Candy Carlson, a spokesperson for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the organization behind the 137th Rose Parade, which precedes the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff game.

Arctic air is meanwhile expected to blanket much of the eastern two-thirds of the country, the weather service said.

In New York City, forecasters predict temperatures in the low 30s Fahrenheit (around zero degrees Celsius), which is not unusual, when the ball drops in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Light rain is possible in Las Vegas, where several casinos will be shooting fireworks from rooftops.

During Nashville's Big Bash, a New Year's Eve event at a park, temperatures will be in the low 30s when an illuminated music note drops at midnight in the Tennessee city. New Orleans will be in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius) for a free concert and fireworks along the Mississippi River.

At the Rose Parade, it has rained only 10 times in the parade's history — and not since 2006, Carlson said.

Rare wet weather is unlikely to keep floats, marching bands, entertainers and others from participating. Carlson said people riding on floats will have rain gear if necessary, and tow trucks will be standing by in case of mechanical problems.

Spectators will need to prepare, too. Umbrellas are not allowed in parade seating areas that require tickets, though the ban doesn't cover people who simply line up along the nearly 6-mile (10-kilometer) route. Curbside camping — no tents — begins at noon Wednesday. Rain also is predicted that day.

“Last year's parade theme was ‘Best Day Ever!’ and six days later it was the worst," said Lisa Derderian, spokesperson for the city of Pasadena, referring to the devastating Eaton wildfire in Los Angeles County. “We want to start the new year on a high note. Hopefully Mother Nature cooperates with the weather.”

Confetti is released during a confetti test ahead of New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

FILE - Marching bands perform along Colorado Blvd. in the 136th Rose Parade, in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)