Washington Nationals: Players of Week 14

A series win in Seattle in Philadelphia amounts to a 4-2 week for the Washington Nationals

The bats were alive and well in Seattle, scoring 15 runs over three games in the series. Monday's contest got off to a rocking start with Lane Thomas going yard of Mariners starter Luis Castillo, a line drive shot to left field. The Nats scored a run in the first three innings but would sputter after that, while Seattle scored eight runs off Trevor Williams and Corey Abbott. The Nats dropped game one, 8-4. Jake Irvin got the ball in game two and continued his solid run on the mound, throwing 5.2 innings, allowing five hits, three runs, two walks, and striking out four. The excitement wasn't until the late innings, as Keibert Ruiz hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to tie the game at four. In the 11th inning, Lane Thomas hit a two-run double followed by a Luis Garcia single to put the Nationals ahead, 7-4. Jordan Weems pitched out of a jam to secure his first major league win and was excited after the final out.

Patrick Corbin was nasty on Wednesday, throwing seven shutout innings. No, I was not paid to write that; it happened. Vintage Patrick Corbin was on the mound in Seattle, walking no Mariners batters and striking out nine. If Patrick continues to throw the ball well, a contender could want him on their staff. Keibert Ruiz had two hits and two RBI in the designated hitter spot for the second time this season. The Nats won the series rubber match, 4-1, to secure the series win.

The Nats traveled to Philly for a three-game weekend series that got off to a great start on Friday night. A pitcher to be named later was fantastic on the mound. A left fielder, also to be named later, hit a two-run home run to give the Nats the lead in the second inning. The Nats won game one, 2-1. Saturday was ugly, a 19-4 loss, so let's forget about it and move on. Sunday afternoon was a hard-fought game by the Nats after the Phillies scored three runs in the first. Two key home runs brought the Nats back into the lead, and the bullpen held onto the lead to win, 5-4.

Hitter of the Week

Stone Garrett

Two of the Nationals wins this week could be credited to Stone Garrett. On Friday, his two-run home run in the second inning was enough run support for Josiah Gray to earn the win. On Sunday, Stone hit a grand slam in the fourth inning to give Washington the lead, 4-3.

Garrett's season stats are now at .275, five home runs, 23 RBI, and a .777 OPS. Stone has done more than the front office could have expected as a fourth outfielder heading into the season. He's certainly outplayed his role, as Alex Call was optioned to AAA last week, and won the starting left field position. He provides a source of power that has been non-existent for the Nats this season.

Pitcher of the Week

Josiah Gray

That's two consecutive Player of the Week awards for Josiah Gray. He deserves it, as he was nasty on Friday night in Philadelphia. Gray struck out eight Phillies over six innings, giving up six hits, one earned run and walked just one. His ERA is back down to 3.30 after a few shaky starts. Gray is making a case for an All-star game bid. Head coach Davey Martinez provided his thoughts on his performance Friday night.

Josiah is 6-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 95.1 innings pitched, 80 strikeouts and a 1.38 WHIP. The only blemish on his stat line is his walk rate, which is 4.06 BB/9. Once Josiah starts to control the ball better and put it exactly where he wants, the sky is the limit for the 25-year-old right-hander.