Nationals Rally Late to Complete Sweep of Brewers

Keibert Ruiz's 8th-inning single gives Washington the lead in back-and-forth game.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, forest green, and bright orange, conceptually representing the back-and-forth action of a baseball game.The Nationals' dramatic comeback win over the Brewers is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the game action into a symphony of bold shapes and colors.Today in Milwaukee

The Washington Nationals completed a three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, rallying for a late 8-6 victory. Keibert Ruiz's go-ahead single in the 8th inning proved to be the difference, as the Nationals overcame a late Brewers comeback to earn the win.

Why it matters

The Nationals' sweep of the Brewers is an important early-season statement, as the two teams are expected to be contenders in the National League this year. The back-and-forth nature of the game also highlights the competitiveness of the matchup between these two playoff-caliber squads.

The details

The Nationals erased a 3-2 deficit with a four-run 7th inning, but the Brewers fought back to tie the game at 6-6 on a 3-run homer by Gary Sanchez in the bottom of the 7th. In the 8th, CJ Abrams and Jacob Young led off with singles, and Keibert Ruiz followed with a go-ahead 2-run single to put the Nationals back in front. PJ Poulin got the win in relief, and Gus Varland recorded the save for Washington.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Nationals completed the 3-game sweep of the Brewers.

The players

Keibert Ruiz

The Nationals' catcher delivered the go-ahead hit in the 8th inning to lift Washington to victory.

Gary Sanchez

The Brewers' designated hitter hit a 3-run homer in the 7th inning to tie the game at 6-6.

PJ Poulin

The Nationals' relief pitcher earned the win with 1.1 scoreless innings.

Gus Varland

The Nationals' closer recorded the save in the 9th inning to secure the victory.

Christian Yelich

The Brewers' designated hitter left the game in the 5th inning with left hamstring tightness.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough series against a great team like the Brewers, but our guys kept battling and found a way to get it done.”

— Dave Martinez, Nationals Manager

What’s next

The Nationals will look to build on their sweep as they head to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals in a 4-game series starting on Monday. The Brewers, meanwhile, will try to snap their 5-game losing streak when they host the Dodgers for 3 games beginning on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth victory showcases the Nationals' resilience and ability to win close games against top-tier opponents like the Brewers. The sweep also demonstrates that Washington is a legitimate contender in the National League this season.