Orioles shut out Nationals 2-0 on March 23, 2026, in low-scoring spring training matchup

Two-run swing in the seventh decides scoreless afternoon in Washington

The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Washington Nationals 2-0 on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Nationals Park, using a single two-run home run to break a scoreless game in the seventh inning. The result came in a spring training setting and featured a combined shutout by four Orioles pitchers.

The game’s only scoring play occurred when Leody Taveras hit a two-run home run to right field, bringing home outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. Taveras finished 1-for-1 with the home run and both RBIs, while Bradfield Jr. scored one of the two runs. The Orioles totaled five hits and did not commit an error.

Orioles pitching limits Washington to three hits

Baltimore’s pitching was led by starter Shane Baz, who worked five innings without allowing a run. Baz gave up three hits, issued no walks, and struck out five. After Baz exited, the Orioles used Chris Bassitt for two innings, Yennier Cano for one inning, and Dietrich Enns to close the ninth. Enns earned the save, striking out two in a scoreless inning.

Washington was held to three hits and did not score, leaving three runners on base. The Nationals recorded no home runs and did not commit an error.

• Final score: Orioles 2, Nationals 0
• Scoring: Baltimore scored both runs in the top of the seventh
• Hits: Baltimore 5, Washington 3
• Errors: Baltimore 0, Washington 0

Key plate appearances and notable lineup details

While the decisive swing came from Taveras, Baltimore’s lineup included several regulars and prospects who did not figure into the scoring. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson went hitless in three at-bats, while catcher Adley Rutschman appeared and went 0-for-1. First baseman Pete Alonso went 1-for-3. The Nationals received a 1-for-2 effort from left fielder Daylen Lile, who also recorded a stolen base.

Taveras’ seventh-inning home run accounted for all scoring, turning a 0-0 game into the 2-0 final.

Game setting and logistics

The game began at 1:05 p.m. at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Attendance was listed at 9,329, and the game lasted 2 hours and 18 minutes. The umpiring crew included Ryan Wills behind the plate, with Chris Segal at first base, Dan Merzel at second, and Brennan Miller at third.

In spring training, clubs regularly manage pitchers in shorter appearances and rotate position players throughout the game. In this matchup, Baltimore’s multi-pitcher approach maintained scoreless innings throughout, and the Orioles’ two-run inning ultimately stood as the difference.