Nats young OF Daylen Lile picked a great time for career night

The Washington Nationals brought the power to Great American Ball Park, launching a season-high six home runs to overwhelm the Cincinnati Reds. The barrage improved the Nationals’ stellar road record to 14-9—the second-best road mark in the majors behind the Atlanta Braves.

Star of the Game: Daylen Lile’s Spectacular Homecoming

Growing up in nearby Louisville, Kentucky, rookie outfielder Daylen Lile was making his Great American Ball Park debut—and he certainly gave his hometown crowd a show.

Lile was the centerpiece of the Nationals’ offensive explosion, recording his first career multi-homer game and setting the tone early. In the second inning, he laced a line drive that struck Reds starter Brady Singer on the right foot (Singer remained in the game and X-rays were clean). Lile then turned on the power, launching a solo shot in the fourth inning to make it 3-0, and breaking the game wide open with a massive three-run blast in the fifth to extend the lead to 7-2.

Daylen Lile’s Tuesday Night Stat Line:

• At-Bats: 5
• Hits: 3
• Home Runs: 2
• RBIs: 4
• Runs Scored: 2
• Batting Average: .600 (for the game)

Key Game Highlights & Turning Points

• The Home Run Derby: The Nationals surpassed their previous season-high of four home runs (set on May 6) by mashing six total longballs.
• A Rare Feat: Lile and Luis García Jr. both went deep twice. They became just the sixth pair of Nationals teammates to hit multiple home runs in the same game, and the first duo to do it since Brian Dozier and Juan Soto on August 18, 2019.
• Wood & House Join the Party: James Wood hit his 12th home run of the season (a solo shot) back-to-back with García Jr. in the third inning to put the Nationals on the board. Brady House also contributed a home run to cap off the offensive onslaught.
• Pitching Decisions: Nationals reliever Brad Lord earned the win, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen with 3 strikeouts. Reds starter Brady Singer (2-3) took the loss, giving up three earned runs in 3.2 innings of work.
• Reds’ Struggles with RISP: Cincinnati’s offense was largely stifled, managing 10 hits but struggling with runners on base. The Reds went a dismal 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. JJ Bleday provided a late spark for Cincinnati with a two-run double in the ninth inning, but the deficit was too large to overcome.

Notable Box Score Performers