The Nationals survived a wild back-and-forth slugfest in Kansas City, outlasting the Royals 8-7 in a Wednesday matinee that saw both teams trade early haymakers. Washington's offense erupted against Seth Lugo, tagging the Royals' starter for seven runs in just four innings—including a decisive three-run homer from Nathaniel Lowe that capped a four-run third inning. Lowe's clutch swing proved pivotal in a game where the Nationals' bullpen barely held on, with José Ferrer navigating a tense ninth after Clayton Beeter allowed a run in the eighth.

The Royals fought back behind Bobby Witt Jr. (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and Vinnie Pasquantino (2-for-5, 4 RBI), whose three-run shot in the first briefly silenced Washington's bats. But it wasn't enough to overcome the Nationals' balanced attack, which saw five players score multiple runs. The win keeps Washington's faint playoff hopes alive, while Kansas City's bullpen—despite three scoreless frames from Daniel Lynch IV—falls just short in a game they nearly stole late.