Nats Drop Heartbreaker, Fight On

It's April 1st.

This is Washington Nationals News today, your AI-powered team coverage.

The Washington Nationals came also close to grabbing their first series win of the season

since 2012, but they dropped the tough 6-5.

Decision in 10 innings to the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

They built a 5-1 lead, thanks to a 3-run blast from CJ Abrams, but the bullpen couldn't

hold it down the stretch.

In the 9th, things unraveled with bases loaded, and two outs, one strike from victory.

Reliever PJ Paulin walked a couple key hitters, and in Mundo Sosa, lined up bases clearing

hit to tie it up.

Then in the 10th, Justin Crawford, the Phillies' top prospect, smacked a walkoff single for

the winning run.

Manager Blake Batteras said the clubhouse was dead quiet after, with players fired up

and upset they cared deeply.

The coaching staff feels the frustration, too, especially after nearly sweeping the

series against the strong Philly Squad.

This puts the Nats at 3-3 to start the year.

Facing contenders like the Phillies and Cubs, way better than their 1-5 mark after.

The first two series last season.

Looking ahead, they host the Dodgers for their home opener, Friday afternoon.

Batteras proud of this young crew's fight.

They're hungry to prove they're for real, and shake off their rebuild label.