Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 4-3 Loss To Orioles

Aug 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Here are my three takeaways from yesterday’s 4-3 Washington Nationals loss to the Orioles at Camden Yards

Right before the beginning of the Beltway Series, the Washington Nationals got some bad news as Stephen Strasburg went on the disabled list because of shoulder inflammation. Even though A.J. Cole filled in well, the Nats still couldn’t muster enough runs against Dylan Bundy and the Orioles.

While the offense managed to draw four walks against the right-hander, Bundy gave up only two runs on three hits in six innings of work. One of those hits was a home run in the fourth inning by Anthony Rendon. August continues to be a great month for Rendon as he is hitting .338 in 19 games with three home runs and 16 RBI’s. Plus, he has 11 hits in last 25 at-bats.

Cole did a good job last night compared to his bad debut over a year ago in Atlanta. The only two mistakes he made were the home runs to Jonathan Schoop in the second and to Mark Trumbo in the fourth, which gave the Orioles the 4-2 lead.

Plus, the Nationals and their fans got a glimpse of how tough it is to come back against the Orioles bullpen. Brad Brach was able to get out of an eighth inning jam and Zach Britton continued his historic season by picking up his 38th straight save.

Before Reynaldo Lopez takes on Kevin Gausman tonight (7:05 p.m ET, MASN2/MLB Network), check out my three takeaways from last night’s Nationals 4-3 loss:

Next: Cole Gives Bullpen Much Needed Breather