Washington Nationals' CJ Abrams celebrates after he hit a walk-off single to score Robert Hassell III for the game-winning run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Abrams hits walk-off single and Nationals end 6-game skid with 2-1 win over Athletics

WASHINGTON (AP) — CJ Abrams singled home rookie Robert Hassell III with the winning run in the ninth inning, and the Washington Nationals defeated the Athletics 2-1 on Wednesday night to stop a six-game losing streak.

Athletics starter Jeffrey Springs retired his first 15 batters before Riley Adams tied the score 1-all with a leadoff homer in the sixth.

Hassell doubled off Michael Kelly (2-1) to begin the ninth and scored on Adams’ one-out single when left fielder Tyler Soderstrom’s throw was off line.

Soderstrom opened the top of the sixth with his 20th home run.

Nearly three years after his major league debut, Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli finally returned from injury to make his second career start. He pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings and left to a standing ovation.

Once a highly touted prospect, the 2020 first-round draft pick had a long recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Jose A. Ferrer (3-3) worked a perfect inning for the win.

Springs gave up just the one hit over six innings with five strikeouts.

The teams combined for 34 hits in the Athletics’ 16-7 win Tuesday, but each finished with four on Wednesday.

Key moment

Hassell’s leadoff double in the ninth went off Colby Thomas’ glove as the right fielder tried to make a diving catch.

Key stat

Cavalli threw 88 pitches, giving up three hits and a walk while striking out six. He also went 4 1/3 innings in his other big league start, when he allowed seven runs to Cincinnati on Aug. 26, 2002.

Up next

Athletics LHP Jacob Lopez (4-6, 3.99 ERA) faces Nationals LHP Mitchell Parker (7-11, 6.35) on Thursday.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Washington Nationals’ Robert Hassell III celebrates after he scored the game winning run on a walk-off single by CJ Abrams during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Nationals’ Riley Adams hits a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Athletics pitcher Jeffrey Springs throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli walks back to the dugout after he was pulled during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.
The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles