MLB wrap: Nationals move into first National League wild-card spot

E.Jay Zarett

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MLB wrap: Nationals move into first National League wild-card spot image

The Nationals are back in the top spot of the National League wild-card standings. 

Washington came away with a 7-2 win over the Phillies at Nationals Park on Monday. The victory moved the Nationals 1/2-game in front of the idle Brewers, who have won four in a row and pulled even in the standings one day earlier. 

The Nationals scored a run in each of the first three innings and then added two more in the fifth to pull away. 

Adam Eaton finished 3 for 4 with a home run and two runs scored while shortstop Trea Turner also scored three times in the victory. 

Anthony Rendon drove in two runs in the game, as well, and now has 122 RBIs this season. 

Patrick Corbin scattered three hits and one run over six innings for Washington. He struck out six and walked four while throwing 108 pitches. 

Phillies starter Zach Eflin allowed five earned runs in five innings of work. 

The Phillies (79-76) and Nationals (86-69) will continue their five-game series with a doubleheader Tuesday. 

Stud of the night 

Ji-Man Choi went 2 for 4 with three RBIs in the Rays' 7-4 victory over the Red Sox. With the win, Tampa Bay moved 1/2-game ahead of the Indians for the final AL wild-card spot. 

Dud of the night 

Walker Lockett surrendered two runs and didn't record an out in the Mets' 8-4 loss to the Marlins. 

Highlights

What a throw.

Paul Goldschmidt received a standing ovation in his return to Arizona. 

What's next 

Indians (92-64) at White Sox (68-87) 8 p.m. ET — Cleveland, which is battling Tampa Bay for the final American League wild-card spot, will have a chance to pick up some key wins when it begins a three-game series against the lowly White Sox on Tuesday. The Indians will send Mike Clevinger (12-3, 2.54 ERA) to the mound for the opener while Chicago will counter with Hector Santiago (0-1, 5.23 ERA).

E.Jay Zarett