Nationals Rally From Behind for Rare Walk-Off Win

Sometimes the best victories come when you refuse to stay down. The Washington Nationals gave their fans a rare treat Thursday, fighting back from a blown lead to win in dramatic walk-off fashion against the Angels.

CJ Abrams got things started early with an RBI double in the first inning, showing signs of breaking out of a recent slump. The young infielder is chasing history, sitting just one stolen base away from a 30-30 season and four RBIs from reaching 100.

Starting pitcher Andrew Alvarez was nearly perfect through seven innings, allowing just one hit while striking out eight batters. The Nationals carried a comfortable 4-0 lead into the eighth inning.

Then things fell apart. The bullpen gave up three runs in the eighth and the Angels tied the game in the ninth, then took the lead on a sacrifice fly.

Why This Inspires

Down by one in the bottom of the ninth against hard-throwing closer Ben Joyce, the Nationals could have folded. Instead, Jose Tena drew a walk and stole second base, advancing to third on a throwing error.

Andres Chaparro came through with a clutch base hit to tie the game and force extra innings. Reliever Jack Sinclair held the Angels scoreless in the tenth to give his team one more chance.

That's when Abrams took over. With runners on first and second and one out, he noticed the pitcher wasn't paying attention and stole third base without a throw.

The pressure forced Angels shortstop Zach Neto into an error on the next play, allowing Abrams to score the winning run. Harry Ford got credit for the walk-off, but Abrams' baserunning made it possible.

After blowing 39 saves this season, the Nationals showed they could still find ways to win.