Democracy Dies in Darkness
Nationals

Nationals loosen up and ride MacKenzie Gore to a win over the Mariners

Luis García Jr., Keibert Ruiz and Eddie Rosario homer and Gore dominates in a 6-1 win at Nats Park

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CJ Abrams greets teammate Luis García Jr. at home plate after García's three-run homer in the fourth inning. (John McDonnell/AP)
5 min

Before Friday’s game at Nationals Park, Washington Manager Dave Martinez offered a few simple fixes for his slumping team: Keep it loose — and stop chasing breaking balls and start sitting on fastballs.

For a team that had lost nine of its past 11 games, executing anything of late has been a challenge. But the Nationals were able to follow these tips and, with a big boost from starter MacKenzie Gore, beat the Seattle Mariners, 6-1.