When the Nationals were rolling offensively, it was their power that separated them from other teams.
But recently the offense has stagnated, evidenced by a lack of home run production. As MASNsports.com's Mark Zuckerman tweeted tonight regarding the Nats' power numbers, the Nats have been outhomered by 18 in June.
#Nats have been out-homered 27-9 this month. That's a bit of a problem.
-- Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) June 21, 2018
That trend repeated itself again early in their series finale with the Orioles. Facing Nats ace Max Scherzer, Orioles right fielder Colby Rasmus launched a solo shot over the right-center field wall. It was Rasmus' first homer of the season, coming on a 1-1 pitch.
Wilmer Difo's one-out single in the third was the Nats' first hit of the game off of Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman. Pedro Severino followed with a double off the left field wall. Bryce Harper hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field to score Difo.
In the fourth, Mark Trumbo hit his sixth homer of the season, a solo shot to lead of the frame. It is the first time this season Scherzer has allowed more than one homer in a start.
Mid-fourth, the Orioles lead the Nats 2-1.
Update: Michael A. Taylor's single in the fourth extended his hitting streak to 12 games, a career high. In the sixth, Anthony Rendon slammed a solo homer, his seventh of the season.
After six innings, the Nats and Orioles are tied at 2-2.
Update II: Harper doubled and Trea Turner singled to begin the eighth against right-hander Mychal Givens. With one-out, Juan Soto doubled deep to left-center, scoring two runs.
After eight innings, the Nats lead 4-2.
Update III: Sean Doolittle retired the side in the ninth for his 20th save.
Final score: the Nats 4, the Orioles 2.
The Nats win season series 5-1. They are now 18-18 at home.