PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Washington Nationals continued their impressive weekend at Chase Field on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-1 before a crowd of 30,638. After opening the series with a commanding 14-1 victory on Friday night, Washington secured its second straight win behind excellent pitching, timely hitting, and another complete team performance.

The Nationals improved to 32-32 on the season while Arizona fell to 33-30. Washington has now outscored the Diamondbacks 20-2 through the first two games of the series and will have an opportunity to complete a three-game sweep in Sunday's finale.

Washington wasted little time setting the tone against Arizona starter Eduardo Rodriguez. Leadoff hitter James Wood opened the game with a single to left field, bringing Curtis Mead to the plate. Mead quickly energized the Nationals dugout, launching a two-run home run to left field for his ninth homer of the season and an immediate 2-0 lead.

That early support proved more than enough for Nationals starter Zack Littell, who delivered another quality outing. Littell kept Arizona's lineup off balance throughout the afternoon, retiring hitters efficiently and limiting hard contact.
The veteran right-hander allowed just one run and two hits while helping Washington control the pace of the game from the mound.

Arizona's only run came in the bottom of the fifth inning. Pavin Smith started the rally with a single before rookie LuJames Groover delivered a memorable moment in his young Major League career. Groover lined a single to center field, driving home Smith for both his first Major League hit and first Major League RBI. A fielding error allowed Groover to advance to third base, but the Diamondbacks were unable to capitalize further as Washington maintained its lead.

While Groover's milestone provided a bright spot for Arizona, offense remained difficult to find throughout the afternoon. The Diamondbacks managed only two hits and were unable to generate sustained pressure against Littell and the Nationals bullpen.

The game remained competitive until the seventh inning when Washington created additional separation. Dylan Crews opened the frame by crushing a solo home run to left field, extending the Nationals lead to 3-1. The blast was Crews' second home run of the season and continued a productive day for the young outfielder.

Later in the inning, Jacob Young tripled into right field and eventually scored on a sacrifice bunt by Nasim Nunez,
pushing Washington's advantage to 4-1. The Nationals added two more runs in the ninth inning to put the game out of reach. Nunez delivered an RBI single that scored Crews before Keibert Ruiz brought home another run on a fielder's choice, giving Washington a comfortable five-run cushion.

The Nationals bullpen ensured there would be no comeback attempt from Arizona. Orlando Ribalta worked a scoreless sixth inning before Mitchell Parker retired the side in order during the seventh. Brad Lord handled the final two innings, recording his first save of the season and sealing Washington's second consecutive victory.

Curtis Mead finished the afternoon as one of Washington's biggest offensive contributors. His first-inning home run immediately changed the complexion of the game and gave the Nationals momentum they never relinquished. Dylan Crews added two hits and a home run, while Nasim Nunez drove in two runs and stole his 23rd base of the season.

For Arizona, the offense never found a rhythm against Washington's pitching staff. Stars such as Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, and Nolan Arenado were unable to spark a rally as the Diamondbacks dropped their second straight game at home.

Littell earned the victory and improved to 6-4 on the season, while Rodriguez suffered just his second loss of the year, falling to 5-2 despite entering the game with a stellar 2.24 ERA.

As the series heads into Sunday's finale, Washington will look to complete a sweep and move above .500, while Arizona will attempt to salvage the final game and avoid being swept at Chase Field.

Game Notes
Washington finished with six runs on eight hits and committed one error.
Arizona managed one run on two hits and did not commit an error.
Curtis Mead hit his ninth home run of the season.
Dylan Crews hit his second home run of the year.
Nasim Nunez recorded his 23rd stolen base of the season.
LuJames Groover collected his first Major League hit and first Major League RBI.
Attendance at Chase Field was 30,638.
​Game time was 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Past Diamondbacks Articles:
Nationals Rout Diamondbacks 14-1 in Series Opener at Chase Field 
Ketel Marte Walks It Off as Diamondbacks Stun Dodgers 3-2 in Phoenix 

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