Former Tigers Sánchez and Rodney guide Nats to 3-1 win

DETROIT - A pair of former Tigers World Series pitchers came up big for the Nationals in Friday's series opener.

Right-hander Aníbal Sánchez, who pitched for Detroit in the 2012 World Series, returned to his old stomping grounds and dodged trouble for six innings, while Juan Soto demonstrated his power, guiding the Nationals to the 3-1 victory over the Tigers at Comerica Park.

The Nationals are now 41-40, moving above .500 for the first time since April 18.

Newly signed reliever Fernando Rodney, a 2006 World Series closer for the Tigers, completed a 1-2-3 ninth inning, featuring two strikeouts, to post his first save with the Nationals and first save in nearly 11 months.

"I just tried to do my job," the 42-year-old said. "I keep the ball down. They know me very well because I started my career here, so I tried to do my job. I think I did what I'm supposed to do tonight."

"What I really like is his fastball was good and his changeup was really good," said Nationals manager Davey Martinez. "With Fernando, he's done it. He's pitched in big moments. He gets it. For me today, when (Sean Doolittle) was not available, he was the guy in the ninth."

Sánchez allowed base hits in each of the first three innings. He walked a batter in the first and had to fight through a Trea Turner fielding error in the third. But the Tigers managed only one run and three hits over the rest of his start. Since returning from a left hamstring injury on May 29, Sánchez has been able to stay on course and deliver quality starts and wins. The Tigers left seven men on base with Sánchez on the hill.

"That's the thing that helps me to like get out of those situations, just execute every pitch that I'm going to throw," Sánchez said. "I prepare my game I can say so far really well and when those situations coming, (Kurt) Suzuki and I, we prepare before the game.

"... Using the pitch that we have to use when we have to. (When there is a) runner on second, no outs, so now we have to pitch, we have to execute every single pitch that he's going to call and I'm going to throw."

Sánchez (4-6) befuddled the Tigers except for a solo homer by Nicholas Castellanos in the fifth. His final pitch was a knee-buckling 74 mph changeup swinging strikeout of Harold Castro to end the sixth. Sánchez battled through a season-high 110 pitches, allowing one run on six hits with eight strikeouts for his fourth win in his last six starts.

Soto's 14th homer was a no-doubter to leadoff the top of the second on an 0-2 pitch against Tigers left-hander Daniel Norris (2-7). It gave the Nats a 1-0 lead.

"For me, just try to make contact with the ball," Soto said. "Try to be short and explosive to the ball and look for a good pitch. And always looking for my fastball. He tried to surprise me and I'm always ready for that."

The 418-foot blast reached the second level at Comerica Park, well over the right field wall. Adam Eaton added an RBI single in the fifth to make it 2-0. Howie Kendrick finished the scoring with a run-scoring double in the eighth, his second double of the game.

Javy Guerra contributed a shutout seventh inning. Down 3-1, the Tigers' best chance came when Tanner Rainey walked two in the eighth.

Jeimer Candelario drove a grounder off Kendrick's glove at first. Brian Dozier came over and alertly fired to Turner for the out at second. The play was challenged and upheld on video replay. Niko Goodrum struck out on a questionable swinging third strike on a call by home plate umpire Brian O'Nora.

Rodney started the ninth for the Nats and struck out Castro and Bobby Wilson. He then got Victor Reyes to ground out to end the game. It was the veteran's first save since Aug. 7, 2018 for the Twins against the Indians.

Martinez said it was necessary to have Rodney go in the ninth because Doolittle and Wander Suero were unavailable. But could Rodney be the answer for the Nats as the eighth-inning bridge or closer hen Doolittle needs a rest day?

"Right now, he is helping us win games," Martinez said. "I know it's his second outing, but so far, he looks good. I told him, I said, 'Hey, there's no pressure. You're going to pitch late in games. Just be ready.' "

Said Rodney: They told me, 'Hey, we're going to pick you up, but you have to go to the minor leagues and work.' That's what I do exactly. I know if I go down there exactly what I have to do, prepare myself for the game. I feel great tonight."

Rodney said he assured Martinez in Florida he was good to go.

"Davey know I got my confidence," Rodney said. "I just always want to be in the game to help the team. We play good, good series in Miami and started good today here and just keep going."

The Nationals have now won four in a row and 22 of their last 31 games. But more importantly, if Rodney can continue to produce with his new team like he did in his heyday, the Nats may have solved an even bigger issue that has plagued their bullpen for much of the season.