Nationals' Joey Wiemer ties MLB record for consecutive plate appearances reaching base

Washington crushes Phillies 13-2 as Wiemer extends on-base streak to start season

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:53am

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In a dominant win over the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals outfielder Joey Wiemer tied a Major League Baseball record by reaching base safely in his first 23 plate appearances to start the 2026 season. Wiemer's historic streak was part of a big offensive night for the Nationals, who had seven players record at least two hits in the 13-2 rout.

Why it matters

Wiemer's record-tying start is an impressive individual accomplishment that highlights his strong offensive production to begin the year. It also reflects the Nationals' potent lineup, which has helped the team get off to a hot start in the early part of the season.

The details

Wiemer reached base in each of his five plate appearances on Monday, going 2-for-2 with a double, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch. His on-base streak to start the season now stands at 23 consecutive plate appearances, tying the MLB record set by Cincinnati's Pete Rose in 1978. The Nationals pounded out 16 hits as a team, with seven players recording multi-hit games.

  • The Nationals defeated the Phillies 13-2 on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Wiemer's on-base streak to start the season is now at 23 consecutive plate appearances, tying the MLB record set by Pete Rose in 1978.

The players

Joey Wiemer

A 26-year-old outfielder for the Washington Nationals who has tied the MLB record for most consecutive plate appearances reaching base to start a season.

Pete Rose

A former MLB player who held the record of 23 consecutive plate appearances reaching base to start a season, which Wiemer has now tied.

Washington Nationals

The MLB team that defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 13-2, with a strong offensive performance that included Wiemer's record-tying on-base streak.

Philadelphia Phillies

The MLB team that lost 13-2 to the Washington Nationals on Monday.

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What they’re saying

“Joey has been locked in at the plate all season. It's been fun to watch him get on base night after night and set this record.”

— Dave Martinez, Manager, Washington Nationals

What’s next

Wiemer will look to extend his record-tying on-base streak when the Nationals face the Phillies again on Wednesday, April 2.

The takeaway

Wiemer's historic start to the season is a testament to his disciplined approach at the plate and the Nationals' potent offense, which has helped the team get off to a strong beginning in 2026.