Guerra notches first win of season as bullpen shines in 7-4 win

Highlighted by a 1-2-3 inning from a big league veteran, the Nationals bullpen helped save the day again in a 7-4 win over the Phillies that completed a three-game sweep.

Starter Erick Fedde did not have the control he had hoped for with five walks in 3 2/3 innings. Matt Grace struggled a bit, allowing a run on a solo homer to Jean Segura, but did record four outs. In came Javy Guerra, who notched a shutout inning in the sixth to earn the victory.

Tanner Rainey gave up a Jay Bruce solo homer, but managed to get through the seventh.

For the 33-year-old Guerra (1-0) it was his first win since Aug. 11, 2018, while a member of the Marlins against the Mets.

When Guerra came into Thursday's game, the Phillies had battled back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game at 3-3. Philadelphia pounded out six hits and three runs in the fourth and fifth frames to chase Fedde. Guerra came in and recorded a pair of strikeouts and a lineout to end the sixth.

"Just keep it where it's at," Guerra said. "You understand that things can get out of hand quickly, but just focus on that first guy and then kind of let things play out the way they're supposed to play out. Just be prepared and go out and get the outs you're asked to go get."

Guerra got Bryce Harper with a 3-2 changeup, inducing a swing and miss on the eighth pitch of the at-bat. Guerra credited the scouting report for suggesting the changeup, which he threw four times in the at-bat.

"He is a good hitter, so you just got to make good pitches," Guerra said. "For me personally, I just went into that at-bat knowing that was something I could go to and tonight it worked. So kudos to the guys in back for having that scouting report for us."

Since joining the Nats, Guerra has posted a 2.35 ERA in 15 1/3 innings over 10 games. He was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on May 18. The Nationals claimed him off waivers on May 20.

It was certainly nice to get the W by his name, but Guerra said at this stage of his career, now with his sixth team, he relishes the opportunity to be called on to pitch in big league games.

"I think at this point in my career, I just appreciate day to day," Guerra said. "Just going out there and getting the job done. All that stuff will be there at the end. I'm just pumped just to be here and were doing something great and I think we're going to do something special."

One reason the Nats have gone on a 17-7 run is that the bullpen has been able to turn things around. With Guerra being a relative newcomer to D.C., what has he seen from them after a rough April and most of May?

"I think just not panicking, just trusting what's in there because there's plenty," Guerra said of his bullpen mates. "We got a good foundation. Everyone really pulls for each other. You got the offensive side pulling for us. You got the guys on the pitching side pulling for us. All it took was a couple of games for us to really feel like, all right, we're family, we're going to go get it done."

Wander Suero has been one key to the turnaround. He delivered a 1-2-3 eighth with help from an outstanding Juan Soto running catch in left-center to end the inning. Sean Doolittle recorded his 16th save with a clean ninth.

Suero was very impressive on back-to-back days. He hit 93 mph to 94 mph on all four pitches against Scott Kingery, striking him out with a 94 mph cutter.

"He's got a special talent and the kids great," Guerra said of Suero. "He's going to be unbelievable for a long time, and when you see him lock it in, it's fun to watch because it's special."

Guerra said he is not worried about the Nationals' spot in the standings, even on June 20. Fans may get excited with the team now only three games back of the Phillies for second place in the National League East, but Guerra is just focusing on preparing for his next game, enjoying the camaraderie the Nats are building in the clubhouse with each win.

"I think we got a good group of guys out there," Guerra said. "It makes it easy to go out there and fight together. I think we all want to pick each other up. We all just want to keep going and just pass the ball to the next guy and it's been working out great."