When the Washington Nationals have a lead — as they have for each game this weekend against the Baltimore Orioles — the bullpen construction is often the same. For the eighth inning, Daniel Hudson enters. And for the ninth, then comes Brad Hand.
Hudson was virtually spotless in his three outings — as he has been all season. Hand, though, has given reason for pause when he enters. He gave up a two-run homer in Friday’s win, and he hung a slider to Stevie Wilkerson to begin the ninth Sunday, allowing a leadoff single.
But three batters later, the left-handed closer smacked the inside of his glove in celebration, striking out Anthony Santander to secure a 6-5 victory and a series sweep.