The Washington Nationals faced off against the Seattle Mariners at Nationals Park, resulting in a 9-5 defeat for the home team. This game brought the Nationals' record to 23-28, while the Mariners improved to 28-26.

May 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (14) hits the ball into play against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

The game began with both teams scoreless in the first inning. The Mariners took an early lead in the second inning when they scored their first run. The Nationals struggled offensively early on, managing only one hit by the end of the third inning.

Seattle extended their lead significantly in the fourth inning with three runs on three hits, bringing their total to four runs. Washington's defense was tested but managed to prevent further damage until later innings.

May 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz (75) tosses the ball to first base for an out against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

In response, Washington finally got on board in the fifth inning with one run from a single hit. However, Seattle's pitching kept them at bay through most of the middle innings. By contrast, Seattle remained quiet until a burst of activity late in the game.

The seventh inning saw a resurgence from Washington as they rallied with four runs off four hits and no errors. This effort brought them within striking distance of Seattle’s lead but ultimately fell short as they could not sustain this momentum into subsequent innings.

May 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jacob Barnes (59) pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle capitalized on this opportunity by scoring two more runs in both eighth and ninth innings respectively, sealing their victory over Washington despite some defensive lapses that included one error from each team throughout nine innings.

Washington’s bullpen struggled significantly during these final frames allowing five earned runs across three innings pitched which contributed heavily towards their loss today against an aggressive Mariner lineup who accumulated ten hits overall compared eight hits managed by nationals hitters collectively throughout entire match duration lasting approximately two hours thirty-five minutes under partly cloudy skies temperature hovering around mid-eighties Fahrenheit range according official weather reports provided pre-game forecasts observed during actual gameplay conditions experienced live spectators numbering twenty-five thousand nine hundred thirty-five attendees present stadium venue located nation's capital city district Columbia United States America

Looking ahead fans can catch next scheduled matchup between visiting nationals hosting Atlanta Braves Truist Park situated Georgia state May twenty-seventh starting time ten past eight evening local broadcast network MASN2 providing comprehensive coverage event anticipated eagerly supporters both sides involved upcoming contest expected draw considerable attention given recent performances respective teams participating major league baseball season currently underway full swing across various venues nationwide

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