Roark Struggles Late as Nationals Drop Series Finale

Aug 31, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher

Tanner Roark

(57) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Nationals were unable to complete a sweep of the Mariners Sunday night as the team lost to Seattle, 5-2, in the final game of the three-game series at Safeco Field. Things got off to a good start for Washington after a monster solo home run off the bat of Bryce Harper in the top of the second gave the Nationals an early lead against Mariners starter Hisashi Iwakuma. Washington made it a 2-0 game an inning later on a home run by Nate Schierholtz.

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But with the Nationals staked to a two-run lead heading into the bottom of the third, the Mariners began to battle back against Roark. Seattle made it a 2-1 game in the third on an RBI single by

Dustin Ackley

. Usually, when Roark is on his game, leading by only one run in the fifth inning is not a huge concern for Washington. Unfortunately for Roark and the Nationals, Ackley was only getting started. After another homer by Harper gave the Nationals a temporary 4-2 lead in the fifth, the Mariners mounted another rally in the bottom of the frame. With one out and runners on first and second, Ackley crushed a 2-0 fastball from Roark into the seats in right field, giving Seattle a 4-2 lead. The Mariners added another run in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI double by

Endy Chavez

. With the loss and Atlanta’s win over the Marlins, the Nationals are 77-58 on the season and lead the Braves by six games in the NL East.

Next game:

Gio Gonzalez

(

6-9, 3.86 ERA)

and the Nationals take on

Roberto Hernandez

(

2-1, 3.52 ERA)

and the Dodgers Monday night in a battle of two first place teams. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET.

Schedule