Nationals Defeat Giants as Wood Hits Leadoff Homer

SAN FRANCISCO: James Wood initiated the game with a leadoff home run, his third this season, and Brad Lord pitched impressively for six innings, contributing to the Washington Nationals’ 4-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants in their MLB match held at Oracle Park on Saturday.

The Nationals’ win marks only their second in the last ten games, leveling the series at one game apiece as they head into Sunday’s final game.

Wood immediately impacted the game by launching the third pitch he faced from Giants rookie pitcher Carson Whisenhunt (1-1) for his 25th home run this year.

During the third inning, Paul DeJong and Josh Bell followed up with consecutive home runs, boosting Washington’s advantage to 3-0.

Wood further contributed with an RBI double in the sixth inning, increasing the lead to 4-0. Lord (3-6), in his tenth MLB start, effectively held San Francisco, allowing just one run on four hits across six innings, with two walks and five strikeouts.

His attempt at a shutout was disrupted when Rafael Devers homered for his 22nd of the season in the sixth inning.

The Giants threatened late in the game, loading the bases in the eighth and placing two runners on in the ninth, but left-hander Jose A. Ferrer maintained composure.

Ferrer successfully navigated both situations, achieving his second career save and his first for the 2025 season, concluding the game with a double play.

DeJong, Bell, and Wood each recorded two hits as part of the Nationals’ total of 11 hits. Devers stood out for the Giants, hitting a home run and a single, while also drawing two walks, despite San Francisco’s three-game winning streak concluding.

Sunday’s series conclusion will showcase Giants’ Justin Verlander facing off against MacKenzie Gore.