WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Nationals held off the Baltimore Orioles for a 4-3 victory on April 23, 2025, at Nationals Park, improving to 11-13 and climbing to fourth in the National League East. The Orioles, now 9-14 and fifth in the American League East, battled back but fell short in the late innings despite a strong offensive effort.
The Nationals struck early against Orioles starter Tomoyuki Sugano, who allowed three runs in the first inning. James Wood led off with his eighth home run of the season, and Josh Bell followed with a two-run shot, his fourth, scoring Keibert Ruiz to give Washington a 3-0 lead. Sugano settled in, pitching seven innings and allowing five hits, three runs, one walk, and two strikeouts but took a no-decision.
Baltimore responded in the third when Adley Rutschman’s single drove in Jackson Holliday, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The Orioles struggled with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-12, and left 12 runners on base. Nationals starter Trevor Williams limited the damage, allowing one run on six hits over five innings, with five strikeouts and one walk.
The game tightened in the seventh when Tyler O’Neill’s sacrifice fly scored Cedric Mullins, making it 3-2. Baltimore tied the game in the eighth on Ramón Urías’ sacrifice fly, scoring Jordan Westburg, who tripled earlier in the inning. However, Washington regained the lead in the bottom of the eighth against Orioles reliever Gregory Soto, who took the loss (0-1). Luis García Jr.’s sacrifice fly scored pinch-hitter Alex Call, giving the Nationals a 4-3 edge.
Kyle Finnegan earned his ninth save, allowing two hits in the ninth but striking out one to seal the win. Jorge López picked up the win (1-0) for Washington despite allowing one run in 1.2 innings. Mullins led Baltimore with two hits and a stolen base, while Rutschman and Holliday each had two hits. For Washington, Wood and Bell combined for three RBIs, with Ruiz and Call contributing key hits.
The game, attended by 22,246 fans, lasted 2 hours and 37 minutes under clear skies with 75-degree weather. The Orioles’ loss marked their fifth in seven games, while the Nationals snapped a two-game skid. Both teams continue their series on April 24, with first pitch at 6:45 p.m.
The Orioles, coming off a 2024 season where they won 91 games, are adjusting to a competitive AL East. The Nationals, rebuilding after a 71-win 2024, showed resilience with contributions from young stars like Wood and veterans like Bell. The interleague rivalry, fueled by geographic proximity, remains a draw for fans in the D.C.-Baltimore corridor.
