Nathaniel Lowe’s bases-loaded triple capped a six-run eighth inning as the Washington Nationals stormed back to beat the Detroit Tigers 9-4 Wednesday night, earning a split of their day-night doubleheader at Nationals Park.
The Tigers dominated Game 1 behind Riley Greene’s two three-run homers in an 11-2 victory, but couldn’t hold a late lead in the nightcap. Detroit led 4-3 in the eighth before CJ Abrams singled, James Wood walked, and Luis Garcia Jr. singled to load the bases. Lowe then ripped a three-run triple into the right-field corner, putting the Nationals on top for good. Josh Bell added an RBI double, and Paul DeJong drove in another run with a single to stretch the lead to 9-4.
Cole Henry (1-1) pitched a scoreless eighth for his first major league win, while Tigers reliever Tommy Kahnle (0-1) took the loss after allowing four runs without recording an out.
Earlier, Washington took an early 3-0 lead as Lowe and Bell delivered RBI singles in the first and third innings. Detroit clawed back with RBI hits from Spencer Torkelson and Colt Keith before Jahmai Jones’ two-run double gave the Tigers a 4-3 edge in the seventh.
Tigers starter Jack Flaherty allowed three runs over five innings, striking out nine. Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings.
With the series now tied, the Tigers and Nationals will meet Thursday for the rubber match.
Nationals Explode for Six Runs in Eighth, Stun Tigers to Split Doubleheader
