Corbin’s HR struggles continue in G1 loss

WASHINGTON -- Patrick Corbin allowed his fifth first-inning home run of the season, giving the Brewers an early lead in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader. The lack of command with his slider, as well as the Nats offense's inability to score runs led to the Nationals dropping the contest, 4-1.

“It’s a little frustrating given up four runs today,” Corbin said. “I just felt like I threw a little better than that today.”

Corbin tossed 78 pitches in five innings, 47 for strikes. However, the Brewers were able to take advantage of mistakes by the southpaw. After walking Christian Yelich in the first, Corbin left a sinker on the inside of the plate for Avisaíl García, who put the first two runs on the board with his ninth homer of the season.

“[Yelich is] obviously a great hitter,” Corbin said. “ I thought there were some good pitches there today. It wasn't like it was a four-pitch walk. I tried attacking him. And the next batter there, I just have to get that ball in a little bit more.”

Corbin then allowed two extra-base hits in the top of the third and an RBI grounder that accounted for the Brewers’ final two runs.

The Nationals’ offense recorded just one run on four hits. Washington was also shut out on Thursday against the Reds, leading manager Davey Martinez to express that his team needs to start performing.

“Let's think about this for a second,” Martinez said. “They get four hits, obviously get a home run. We hit the ball ... it's just frustrating we just don't have that timely hit."

Kyle Schwarber smacked his third-hardest-hit ball of the season, a solo shot that left his bat at 112.1 mph and traveled 439 feet, to account for the Nationals' lone run.

“Yeah, everything is gonna change,” Soto said when asked what the lineup needs to start scoring more consistently. “All those guys ... they are giving 100 percent, I'm giving my 100 percent, and I know that thing's gonna change one day. We were hitting balls hard to the right people. We all feel good. We all feel comfortable. We all try our best, and I think our moment's gonna come.”

Injury watch
Second baseman Luis García was helped off the field early in the game with a right leg injury. While warming up on the field before the top of the third, the infielder -- who joined the team on May 25 -- lowered himself to the ground, grabbed his leg and immediately waved for the team’s training staff. García will be sent out for an MRI on Sunday. Martinez spoke with García, who said his leg began to cramp before the inning and was unable to loosen it by the time he ran onto the field.