Nasim Nuñez had a big night for the Nationals, tripling twice and scoring three runs. Kansas City’s Isaac Collins tied the game at 3 in the seventh with a two-run single, but Washington answered immediately: Nuñez drew a leadoff walk, advanced on a play involving James Wood, and later sent in the homer by Mead for Washington’s lead. Nuñez also stole third without a throw, and the Royals’ season record against left-handed starters remained a key context, with Kansas City listed as 3-17 in 20 games.
On the pitching side, Paxton Schultz earned the win in relief, and Gus Varland worked the ninth with a save after allowing a solo homer by ex-National Lane Thomas. For Kansas City, Daniel Lynch IV took the loss. Kansas City will look to respond Wednesday when the Nationals send Zack Littell to the mound against Kansas City’s Luinder Avila.