Corbin starts smooth, Turner notches first HR (Nats fall 3-2)

Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin came out of the blocks mesmerizing with his fastball and patented slider in the final game of the opening series against the Yankees Sunday afternoon at Nats Park.

Through the first three innings, Corbin struck out five batters, and the other four hitters all grounded out to third base or shortstop.

Yankees bullpen starter Jonathan Loaisiga had also been outstanding, featuring a fastball in the 97-99 mph range and a knee-buckling curveball at 84 mph.

That was until Trea Turner arrived in the third inning for his second at-bat.

Adam Eaton blooped a single into left field in the first. Victor Robles walked in the second. But Robles was erased attempting to steal second base on a great throw by Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka. In the third, however, Turner launched a solo shot to left field for his first hit and first homer of 2020. In came on a 2-2 pitch, a 95.8 mph sinker, and went well into the Yankees bullpen.

After three innings, the Nats lead the Yankees 1-0.

Update II: After Loaisiga exited, David Hale allowed a Starlin Castro double to lead off the bottom of the fourth. One batter later, Eric Thames drilled a hotshot grounder past Luke Voit at first base and into right field. Castro came around to score.

Corbin has allowed one hit through five innings and has struck out six.

After five frames, the Nats lead the Yankees 2-0.

Update III: The Yankees tied the game in the seventh with a pair of solo homers. Gleyber Torres went yard versus Corbin. Luke Voit launched a homer off Will Harris as the latter made his Nats debut. Corbin finished 6 1/3 innigns, allowing one run on two hits with eight strikeouts. He threw 75 pitches, 49 for strikes.

Mid-seventh in D.C., the game is tied, 2-2.

Update IV: In the eighth, Sean Doolittle allowed a walk, a single and then another single as the Yankees pulled ahead for the first time today. With two outs, Torres' RBI single scored Aaron Hicks. Tanner Rainey came into strike out Voit to end the half inning.

Mid-eighth, the Yankees lead the Nats 3-2.

Update V: In the bottom of the ninth, Asdrúbal Cabrera singled against Yankees closer Zack Britton. Emilio Bonifácio pinch-ran and went to second on a passed ball. On a walk to Victor Robles, Bonfiácio had third base stolen but overslid the bag and was tagged out. Yan Gomes flew out and Michael A. Taylor grounded out to end the game.

Final score: Yankees 3, Nats 2.