Jeter Downs’ RBI single caps 6-run ninth as Nationals rally past A’s 8-7 for series sweep

WASHINGTON — Jeter Downs capped a six-run ninth with an RBI single, and the Washington Nationals rallied past Oakland 8-7 on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep of the majors-worst Athletics.

Washington, which recorded its third sweep in its last seven series, has won eight of 11 overall and 12 of its last 14 at home.

Rookie Zack Gelof homered twice for Oakland, which fell 52 games under .500 (33-85) for the first time since going 54-108 in 1979. The A’s were swept for the 16th time this year – their most since getting swept 17 times in 1978.

Oakland closer Trevor May, working in a non-save situation in the ninth inning with a 7-2 lead, loaded the bases with one out before allowing Stone Garrett’s RBI single and Ildemaro Vargas’ sacrifice fly. May exited after walking Riley Adams to reload the bases, and Kirby Snead (1-1) entered and walked pinch-hitter Dominic Smith to force in a run that made it 7-5.

Alex Call then hit a sharp grounder that shortstop Nick Allen – who entered as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning – booted for an error, allowing two runs to score. Downs then floated a base hit to center to cap the unlikely comeback.

Joe La Sorsa (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings for Washington for his first major league victory.

PHOTOS: Jeter Downs’ RBI single caps 6-run ninth as Nationals rally past A’s 8-7 for series sweep

The A’s jumped on Washington starter Trevor Williams, starting with Gelof’s first homer. Brent Rooker followed that shot with a walk, and Seth Brown then ripped an 89 mph fastball to right to make it 3-0.

Garrett delivered a run-scoring double in the first inning. Oakland’s Aledmys Díaz had a two-out RBI single in the third to make it 4-1. Brown added a two-run single in the seventh.

Williams allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings while striking out four. He has not made it through five innings in any of his last three starts and is 0-3 with a 11.08 ERA and seven home runs allowed in that span.

Williams has surrendered 28 home runs this season, second-most in the majors behind Lance Lynn’s 32 with the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Athletics starter Ken Waldichuk allowed a run on seven hits while striking out four over five innings.

Trainer’s room

Nationals: RHP Hunter Harvey (elbow) and RHP Tanner Rainey (Tommy John surgery) threw bullpen sessions Sunday. Manager Dave Martinez said Harvey should be ready to be activated in “the next couple days.” … RHP Mason Thompson (left knee) will throw a simulated game Tuesday.

Up next

Athletics: Oakland continues its trip Monday at St. Louis. LHP JP Sears (2-9, 4.32 ERA) has a 3.67 ERA over his last 16 starts.

Nationals: Washington is off Monday. RHP Josiah Gray (7-9, 3.69) starts the opener of a three-game series against Boston as the homestand continues Tuesday.