With Stephen Strasburg scratched before the game because of a back injury, the Washington Nationals handed the ball to Tanner Roark to make the start against the Milwaukee Brewers in Sunday’s series finale and he delivered.
Roark (7-5) allowed seven hits and a walk while striking out seven, helping the Nationals end a seven game losing streak.
The Brewers had their chances, but finished 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position. Starter Jimmy Nelson, who has struggled in the month of June, still didn’t have his best stuff but was able to pitch out of trouble.
Jacob Barnes (0-1) pitches a scoreless sixth, but Jose Lobaton homered off Barnes to break the scoreless tie and give the Nationals a 1-0 lead. Lobaton’s home run is the 100th in 76 games for the Nationals this season. That is a franchise best.
The Nationals added two more runs in the eighth against Michael Blazek.
The Brewers added two runs in the 9th after Ryan Braun tripled and scored, then Martin Maldonado clubbed a two-out, pinch-hit homer to left to close out the scoring.
Jonathan Villar tripled on a ball that Jason Werth lost in the sun, but Scooter Gennett flew out to left to end the game. The loss ended the Brewers four-game home winning streak.
The Brewers are off today before facing the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night.
AUDIO: Craig Counsell on Tanner Roark :09