Nationals Sweep Brewers in Back-and-Forth Affair

Keibert Ruiz's 8th-inning single gives Washington the win after Milwaukee rallies to tie it late.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:10am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, gold, and red colors representing the dynamic action on the field.The Nationals' dramatic comeback win over the Brewers showcases the intensity and unpredictability of the NL playoff race.Today in Milwaukee

The Washington Nationals completed a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers with an 8-6 victory on Sunday. Keibert Ruiz's go-ahead single in the 8th inning proved to be the difference after the Brewers had rallied to tie the game in the 7th. The Nationals erased an early 3-2 deficit with a 4-run 7th inning before the Brewers responded with a 3-run homer from Gary Sanchez to even the score.

Why it matters

The Nationals' sweep of the Brewers is an important early-season series win as both teams look to contend in their respective divisions. The back-and-forth nature of the game also highlights the competitiveness of the matchup between these two playoff-caliber squads.

The details

In the 8th inning, CJ Abrams and Jacob Young opened with consecutive singles off Angel Zerpa. After a sacrifice bunt, Keibert Ruiz lined a 1-1 pitch up the middle to score both runners and give the Nationals the lead. Earlier, the Nationals had erased a 3-2 deficit with a 4-run 7th inning, only to see the Brewers tie it at 6-6 on a 3-run homer by Gary Sanchez in the bottom half.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Nationals scored 4 runs in the top of the 7th inning to take a 6-3 lead.
  • The Brewers tied the game at 6-6 with a 3-run homer by Gary Sanchez in the bottom of the 7th inning.
  • Keibert Ruiz's go-ahead single in the 8th inning gave the Nationals an 8-6 lead, which they would hold onto for the win.

The players

Keibert Ruiz

The Nationals' catcher who delivered the go-ahead single in the 8th inning to complete the sweep.

Gary Sanchez

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

Brandon Woodruff

The Brewers' starting pitcher who retired the first 9 batters he faced before the Nationals scored twice in the 4th inning.

CJ Abrams

The Nationals' outfielder who opened the 8th inning with a single and scored the go-ahead run.

Jacob Young

The Nationals' outfielder who also singled to start the 8th inning rally.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough series against a really good team. I'm proud of the way our guys battled back and found a way to get the sweep.”

— Dave Martinez, Nationals Manager

What’s next

The Nationals will look to build on their sweep as they continue their road trip, while the Brewers will try to end their 5-game losing skid when they return home to face another divisional opponent.

The takeaway

This hard-fought series win for the Nationals showcases the depth and resilience of their roster, as they were able to overcome a late comeback attempt by the Brewers to complete the sweep. The back-and-forth nature of the game also highlights the competitiveness of the NL playoff race this season.