All seemed right in the universe as the Washington Nationals jumped out to an early lead and were cruising to an apparent victory against the rebuilding Baltimore Orioles.
That is, until relievers Sean Doolittle and Daniel Hudson imploded in horrific fashion during a cover-your-eyes collapse that turned a three-run lead into a 5-3 loss. Homers by Pat Valaika, Pedro Severino and Anthony Santander sparked the Orioles’ comeback and left Doolittle searching for answers.
“I should be able to get through an inning and it just hasn’t come together. I feel terrible. I’m letting the team down. I want to help. I want to be a part of that group,” said Doolittle, who now sports a 18.00 earned run average in four appearances this season. The loss drops the Nationals to 4-7 on this season, which is troublesome because they have yet to play a game away from Nats Park.