From The Banner · Kyle Williams · · 1m 20s
Jackson Kent settles in as Nats beat Phillies
Washington’s rookie lefty recovered from a shaky start, then Daylen Lile flipped the game with one swing.
In brief
Washington’s rookie lefty recovered from a shaky start, then Daylen Lile flipped the game with one swing. Kent’s path to a lasting rotation spot depends on turning his strike-throwing into shorter, cleaner innings. Originally reported by The Banner.
Kent finds the model
Jackson Kent’s fourth inning showed the version Washington wants: three outs on 11 pitches, with two strikeouts after a quick groundout.
“One inning, 11 pitches, three outs.”
Efficiency has lagged
Kent’s early MLB problem has been long at-bats and missed finishes with two strikes. San Diego slugged .500 against him in two-strike counts last time out.
“Efficiency is the biggest issue Kent’s facing so far”
He kept Washington close
Against Philadelphia, Kent improved as he went and reached five innings for the third time as a rookie. That gave the Nationals’ lineup time to strike.
Lile changes everything
In the seventh, Nasim Nuñez bunted two runners over. Pinch hitter Daylen Lile jumped a first-pitch changeup for a three-run homer and a Nationals lead.
“a three-run bomb that gave the Nationals the lead”
The rough start mattered
Kent opened by walking Kyle Schwarber, then later walked Luis Arraez. Alec Bohm cashed in with an RBI single before Kent stopped the inning from breaking open.
A rotation audition
Washington needs young pitching after a season where the staff held back a strong offense. If Kent sticks, it is a clear win for player development.
“Kent solidifying a place in the rotation would be a win”
At a glance
Kent’s path to a lasting rotation spot depends on turning his strike-throwing into shorter, cleaner innings.
