WASHINGTON ( Associated Press) — Juan Soto, Nelson Cruz and Josh Bell hit back-to-back homers as the Washington Nationals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6 on Saturday, losing their eighth straight.
Milwaukee is in the midst of its worst streak since losing eight straight from Sept. 11-19, 2015. The Brewers have been outscored 57 runs to 20 during this stretch.
Washington extended the lead in the fifth against starter Eric Lauer (5-2). The left-hander began the day with only one run allowed in his previous four starts, a streak of 22 innings.
But things got complicated when he faced the Nationals order for the third time.
Soto hit his two-run homer into center field to put Washington up 6-1. His compatriot Cruz followed up two pitches later with a blow to the same area.
Bell disappeared the ball down the left-field line, and Washington was on track for its fifth win in eight games.
Patrick Corbin (3-8) gave up four runs in just over six innings. He string together wins for the first time since June of last year.
For the Brewers, Dominican Willy Adames 5-0. The Mexican Luis Urías 3-1 with a run scored and two RBIs. Puerto Rican Víctor Caratini 3-2 with a run scored.
For the Nationals, Venezuelan César Hernández 4-2 with a run scored. The Dominicans Soto 2-1 with two runs scored and three RBIs, Cruz 4-2 with one run scored and three RBIs, Maikel Franco 4-0, Víctor Robles 4-0.
