Lowe and Wood Power Nationals to 4-3 Victory Over Orioles as Tena’s Ninth-Inning Run Seals the Deal

Washington, D.C. — May 16, 2025

In a thrilling, closely fought contest at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Washington Nationals edged the Baltimore Orioles 4-3, thanks to key home runs by Nathaniel Lowe and James Wood, and a game-winning run scored by José Tena in the ninth inning. The nail-biting game showcased the offensive firepower and resilience of the Nationals, while highlighting the Orioles’ ongoing battle to turn their season around.

Early Offense: Lowe Opens the Scoring with a Solo Homer

The game got off to an electrifying start with Washington’s Nathaniel Lowe delivering an early statement. In the bottom of the second inning, Lowe connected on a towering solo home run off Orioles starter Kyle Gibson, putting the Nationals ahead 1-0. The drive landed deep into the right-center field seats, energizing the Nationals’ dugout and fans in attendance.

Lowe’s homer was a key moment, setting the tone for the Nationals’ offense and providing an early cushion against a tough Orioles pitching staff. Known for his power and consistency, Lowe has been a reliable middle-of-the-order presence for Washington this season, and his home run was a reminder of his ability to change the game with one swing.

Orioles Respond: Laureano’s Double and Holliday’s Single Spark Rally

Baltimore refused to let the early deficit define the contest. The Orioles responded in the third inning with a clutch two-run rally. Ramón Laureano led off with a sharp double into the left-center gap, igniting the crowd and igniting the Orioles’ offense. Laureano’s extra-base hit was a result of excellent plate discipline and quick adjustment to the Nationals’ pitching approach.

Following Laureano, top prospect Jackson Holliday worked a patient at-bat and lined a single into left field, allowing Laureano to score easily and tie the game at 1-1. The momentum swung in Baltimore’s favor when Cedric Mullins came to the plate and fought off tough pitches, keeping the inning alive and giving the Orioles an opportunity to take the lead.

The rally culminated in an RBI infield single that pushed the Orioles ahead 2-1. This offensive burst showcased Baltimore’s ability to manufacture runs through timely hitting and aggressive baserunning, igniting hope among the Orioles faithful for a positive outcome.

Back-and-Forth Battle: Wood’s RBI Single and Urías’ Sacrifice Fly

The game maintained its back-and-forth nature as the Nationals came roaring back in the sixth inning. James Wood, a young slugger with a reputation for clutch hitting, delivered a critical RBI single that tied the score at 2-2. Wood’s approach at the plate reflected maturity beyond his years, working counts and capitalizing on mistakes to drive in runs.

Shortly after Wood’s hit, Baltimore reclaimed the lead on a sacrifice fly by Ramón Urías, who adeptly brought home Jackson Holliday from third base. Urías’ productive out was a textbook example of situational hitting, sacrificing his own chance for a base hit to deliver the go-ahead run.

At 3-2 in favor of Baltimore, the game appeared to be tilting toward a tight Orioles victory. However, the Nationals were far from finished.

Late-Inning Drama: Wood’s Home Run Ties Game, Setting Up Ninth-Inning Thriller

The eighth inning witnessed a pivotal moment as James Wood came up to bat again and launched a towering solo home run to deep center field, tying the game 3-3. Wood’s second key hit of the night was a powerful statement, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and shift the momentum back to Washington.

The home run energized the Nationals and served notice that the contest would be decided in the late innings. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde prepared his bullpen for a critical ninth inning, hoping to hold off the Nationals’ potent lineup and preserve a narrow lead.

Ninth Inning: Tena Scores the Game-Winning Run on Nuñez’s Infield Single

In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the score knotted at 3-3 and the tension mounting, Washington’s José Tena stepped up to the plate and showed tremendous poise. After reaching base, Tena advanced to scoring position on a perfectly executed bunt and a productive groundout.

With one out and runners on the corners, infielder Nasim Nuñez delivered a sharp infield single that allowed José Tena to score the game-winning run. The Orioles defense was unable to make the play in time, handing the Nationals a dramatic 4-3 victory.

The walk-off win was a testament to the Nationals’ resilience and ability to capitalize on late-game opportunities, while underscoring the Orioles’ continuing struggles to close out tight games.

Orioles’ Struggles Continue Despite Strong Hitting

Despite the narrow loss, the Orioles had an impressive 15-hit performance, including the outstanding 4-for-4 night from Ramón Laureano. Yet the team left 15 runners stranded on base and struck out 14 times, an indication of difficulty with situational hitting and execution.

The Orioles pitching staff also faced challenges. Starter Kyle Gibson battled early, giving up Lowe’s home run, and the bullpen had difficulty shutting down the Nationals’ offense late. These issues have been recurring themes for Baltimore, who have struggled to find consistency in all facets of the game.

Manager Brandon Hyde noted postgame, “We’re generating a lot of offense, but we need to do a better job of finishing innings and supporting our pitchers. It’s a tough loss, but we’ve got to keep pushing.”

Washington Nationals: A Team Poised for a Playoff Push?

For the Nationals, the win was a morale booster in a tightly contested division race. Nathaniel Lowe and James Wood, both key offensive contributors, showed their value in clutch moments. José Tena’s game-winning run capped a well-rounded team effort.

Washington’s pitching staff, led by Jake Irvin who started the game, managed to keep the Orioles’ powerful lineup in check for the most part, setting the stage for the bullpen to hold the late innings.

The Nationals have steadily improved this season, blending veteran leadership with young talent, and performances like this one underscore their potential to make a postseason push.

Looking Ahead for the Orioles

The Orioles face a critical juncture in their 2025 season. While individual performances like Ramón Laureano’s inspire hope, the team must find ways to close games and improve both offensively and defensively.

Upcoming games will test Baltimore’s resolve and ability to stay competitive in a tough American League East. The coaching staff is working to tighten pitching mechanics and improve defensive communication, while the hitters are focusing on plate discipline and clutch hitting.

Fans remain hopeful that the Orioles’ young core can develop and that the team’s fortunes will improve in the weeks to come.

A Classic Battle with Heartbreak for Orioles

The May 16, 2025, game between the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals was a classic baseball battle filled with powerful hitting, strategic plays, and late-inning drama. Nathaniel Lowe’s early homer, James Wood’s clutch RBI single and late home run, and José Tena’s decisive ninth-inning scoring run combined to deliver a memorable victory for the Nationals.

For the Orioles, despite a valiant effort led by Ramón Laureano’s four hits, the game highlighted ongoing challenges that have hampered their season. With continued hard work and determination, Baltimore looks to build on lessons learned and find ways to turn close losses into wins moving forward.