Nationals 3 - Tigers 1 (9/22/2026): CJ Abrams Delivers With 3 RBIs

The Washington Nationals took on the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, emerging with a 3–1 victory on a cool evening under broken clouds. The win nudged the Nationals' record to 73-84, securing their spot in 4th place in the NL East. For the Tigers, the loss dropped them to 74-83, holding on to 3rd place in the AL Central.

Nationals' Key Moments

CJ Abrams was the standout performer for the Nationals, driving in all three of their runs. His efforts included a crucial home run, his second of the season, that provided the necessary firepower to put the game out of reach for the Tigers.

Dylan Crews contributed significantly, going 2-for-4 and scoring one of the team's runs. His current batting average stands at .223, with an OPS of .659.

On the mound, Jackson Kent notched his first win of the season, improving his record to 1-4. Kent pitched four innings, giving up six hits and one earned run while striking out three.

Tigers' Performance Highlights

Detroit's offense struggled against the Nationals' pitching staff, managing to score only one run. Ben Malgeri's double stood out as a highlight, as he recorded one of the team's seven hits.

Kevin McGonigle also put in a commendable performance with a couple of hits, maintaining his batting average at .274. However, the Tigers fell short in turning these hits into runs, leaving them unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Drew Anderson, despite a decent showing, took the loss, bringing his season record to 5-6. He allowed three runs over six innings, striking out five, but ultimately couldn't keep the Nationals at bay.

Pitching and Defensive Efforts

Alongside Kent, the Nationals' bullpen played a vital role in securing the win. Justin Sinclair and Evan Tolman combined to pitch the remaining innings, keeping the Tigers scoreless and solidifying the victory.

Notably, Evan Tolman delivered a strong performance in the ninth inning, striking out three and ensuring no further runs were added by Detroit. His ERA now sits at an impressive 3.65.

For Detroit, the bullpen efforts from Tyler Kinley, Bryce Hurter, and Beau Brieske were commendable, as they limited the Nationals to just one additional hit and no runs in their three innings of work.

Looking Ahead

The Nationals will continue their series against the Tigers at Comerica Park, aiming to maintain their momentum. With Blake Butera at the helm, Washington will look to end the season on a positive note.

Meanwhile, the Tigers, managed by A.J. Hinch, will seek to rebound and improve their home record, which currently stands at 40-36. They will aim to exploit their familiarity with their home turf to turn the tables in the upcoming game.

Both teams will look to sharpen their strategies as the regular season draws to a close, with the Nationals set to face the New York Mets next at Nationals Park. The Tigers, on the other hand, will remain at home to challenge the Pittsburgh Pirates in their upcoming series.