WASHINGTON — Andrew Pinckney wasted little time making his mark in the major leagues, but his memorable debut was overshadowed by another loss for the Washington Nationals.
Pinckney hit a home run for his first major league hit Thursday, providing one of the few bright spots for Washington in a 7-3 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies. The rookie outfielder was recently called up from Triple-A Rochester after All-Star James Wood was placed on the injured list with a mild oblique strain.
The 25-year-old Pinckney entered the game with plenty of power in his minor league résumé. He had produced 13 home runs for Rochester this season before receiving his first opportunity in the majors. His promotion came at a difficult time for Washington, which had already endured a rough stretch leading into the series finale against Philadelphia.
Pinckney's long ball gave Nationals fans something to cheer about as Washington tried to keep pace with the Phillies. His first major league hit was also his first MLB home run, an achievement that offered a promising beginning to his career at the highest level.
The Nationals, however, could not overcome Philadelphia's offensive attack.
The Phillies collected 16 hits and produced eight doubles, repeatedly finding gaps in the Washington defense. Seven of those doubles came during the first three innings, allowing Philadelphia to build an early advantage without hitting a home run.
Bryson Stott led Philadelphia's offensive effort with two doubles and an RBI, while J.T. Realmuto and Bryce Harper each recorded two hits and scored twice.
Washington starter Miles Mikolas struggled to contain the Phillies. He surrendered six runs and a season-high 12 hits over five innings, putting the Nationals in a difficult position before Pinckney's late contribution.
Jacob Young and Keibert Ruiz each added two hits and an RBI for Washington, but the Nationals could not generate enough offense to mount a comeback.
Philadelphia's bullpen then shut the door. Jose Alvarado, Jonathan Bowlan and Jhoan Duran each delivered a perfect inning to secure the victory.
The loss capped a frustrating series for Washington. The Nationals dropped three of four games to Philadelphia and have now lost eight of their last nine, leaving the club searching for answers as it returns home.
For Pinckney, though, the night represented the beginning of a new chapter.
His promotion was necessitated by Wood's injury, but his first major league hit showed why the Nationals viewed him as a worthwhile option. MLB lists Pinckney as a 6-foot-4 outfielder, and his minor league career has featured notable power, including a 119-mph home run for Rochester earlier this season.
Washington will hope Pinckney can provide a spark while Wood recovers. For now, his first home run stands as a memorable personal milestone on a night when the Nationals once again came up short.
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