For the first time since July 6, a Washington Nationals starting pitcher is victorious. Patrick Corbin allowed one earned and four hits while striking out five in six innings, as the Nationals topped the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Sunday.
The win by Corbin ended the Nationals’ record 43-game winless streak by a starting pitcher.
The streak shattered the MLB record for most games without a starter winning a game. Ironically, it was another Washington baseball club, the 1949 Washington Senators (35 games) previously held the record.
Josiah Gray was the last Nationals starter to record a win back on July 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
It’s fitting that the MLB leader in losses was able to end such a dubious streak. With the win Corbin sports a 5-17 record. He led all of MLB last year with 16 losses. The win was Corbin’s first since June 28.
Corbin had his ERA balloon to 7.02 after failing to get out the first inning of an Aug. 6 start. It was the second time he didn’t reach the second inning in three starts. The Nationals then skipped his turn in the rotation while he worked on mechanics.
Working in his third start since returning, Corbin pitched six innings for the second time. He’s allowed seven runs in 17 1/3 innings, lowering his ERA to 6.56 in the process.
Ildemaro Vargas led the fifth off with a solo home run to left field off rookie lefty Nick Lodolo, breaking a 2-2 tie.
Lodolo (3-5) allowed three runs and five hits while striking out five in seven innings.
Washington avoided the three-game sweep. The win was just their 43rd of the season. At 43-85, the Nationals hold the worst record in the majors. Cincinnati fell to 50-76 with the loss.
More must-reads: