Heroics from Abrams, Nunez give Nationals win over Brewers

Nationals pitcher Zack Littell didn’t set out to change his approach for Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. But, despite allowing eight runs in his last three starts, he was philosophical as he took the mound.

“There was almost a little bit more of [what-the-heck] attitude,” Littell said after earning his first win of the season in Washington’s 3-1 victory. “It can’t get any worse, type of thing. There’s something to be said for just going out there and not feeling like there’s anything to lose.”

The approach paid off. Working in bulk relief behind opener P.J. Poulin, Littell tossed 3 2/3 innings of one-run ball, allowing just one hit and one walk while adding a strikeout. 

His teammates clocked a difference in the 30-year-old journeyman as he retired six consecutive batters after taking the mound in the third inning. 

“He had a different walk on that mound today,” said second baseman Nasim Nunez, who tallied a run and a pair of RBI singles in the win. “Just his presence was there. That gives us more. Like, let’s go. Here’s there, so we’re going to make sure we take care of him.”

The offense, which entered Sunday’s game with the second-most runs in the majors, did its part. Washington’s batters took a while to warm up, though. 

Brewers starter Logan Henderson took a perfect game into the fifth inning, retiring the first 12 batters in order. But shortstop C.J. Abrams broke the drought with an infield single. 

The All-Star smoked a line drive down the first-base line, but Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers dove to nab the ball on a bounce at the edge of the infield. It could’ve been a spectacular assist for Bauers, but Henderson didn’t cover the bag for his first baseman. The second-year pitcher stumbled as he stepped off the mound, allowing Abrams to beat everyone in the race to first base. 

Abrams then stole second base, putting himself in scoring position for Nunez. The double-play partners did their part, as Nunez knocked a single into the outfield to allow Abrams to score from second. 

They repeated the effort in the seventh. Abrams reached base on another infield single, and Nunez notched another base hit for his second RBI single of the game. The second baseman factored in all three of Washington’s runs on Sunday. 

“Those two guys, when they’re going, when they’re on base, it’s a lot of fun,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said.

Henderson earned the loss after allowing the two fifth-inning runs, ultimately pitching six innings with three hits, eight strikeouts and no walks.

The middle infielders’ offensive bump put Littell in line for the win. The pitcher still wasn’t thrilled when Butera arrived in the sixth inning to pull him from the game. 

“I wanted to keep going, but I’m obviously in no place to talk about usage,” Littell joked. 

That initial frustration was quickly replaced by joy. He made it through an outing without allowing multiple homers for just the second time this season. 

“A sigh of relief, probably,” Butera said of the emotions he felt from Littell. “Seeing him have success today and look like the pitcher we expect to have and see the rest of the year, it was good to see him out there having success getting guys out.”

Pitching is a fickle occupation for players like Littell and reliever Richard Lovelady, who earned the save on Sunday afternoon. 

Lovelady joined the Nationals for spring training, but he moved to the New York Mets after Washington designated him for assignment in March. New York traded Lovelady back to the District for cash considerations in April. 

They can’t allow individual games to dictate their approach, he reasoned. 

“I don’t think it should do anything for [Littell,]” Lovelady said of the win’s potential effect on Littell. “I’ve seen him when he was with the Rays. The guy’s a great pitcher. Just because you have a couple of struggling starts, it’s not going to define who you are for the season.”

With the win, the Nationals rose to 16-19 on the season. Washington will have an off day on Monday before welcoming the Minnesota Twins for a three-game series at Nationals Park.

• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.