CJ Abrams went deep on the first two pitches he saw from Zach Eflin, and the Washington Nationals hit five homers in a 10-4 victory over the free-falling Baltimore Orioles for a three-game sweep. Luis Garcia Jr. and Dylan Crews also connected against Eflin during a six-run second inning that helped Washington complete its first sweep of the season. Josh Bell’s solo shot off Brian Baker completed Washington’s first five-homer game since Sept. 29, 2023. Baltimore has lost six straight and 12 of 14, the final two of those following the firing of manager Brandon Hyde.

Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games following a positive test for external testosterone under Major League Baseball’s drug-testing program. Alvarado became the second player suspended this year under the big league testing program after Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the positive test was caused by a weight loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason. Barring rainouts that push games into later this season, Alvarado would be eligible to return on Aug. 19 against Seattle. Because of the suspension, he would be ineligible for the postseason.

CJ Abrams scored the winning run on Pete Alonso’s throwing error in the ninth inning, and the Washington Nationals rallied from a six-run deficit to beat the New York Mets 8-7. Dylan Crews and Riley Adams homered for Washington, which won on its final at bat for the second time in three days against the Mets. Alex Call led off the ninth against Ryne Stanek with a double. Pinch-runner Jacob Young moved to third on pinch-hitter Keibert Ruiz’s grounder to second and scored when CJ Abrams slapped a single to right against a drawn-in infield. James Wood walked, and Luis García Jr. hit a grounder to Alonso deep at first base. Alonso sailed his throw over Stanek’s head, allowing Abrams to score.