Josh Bell Powers Nationals to Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Win

SEATTLE (AP) — Josh Bell hit a three-run homer during a seven-run 10th inning, leading the Washington Nationals to a 9-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night. This win marked a franchise record for runs in an extra inning.

The Nationals started the explosive inning with rookie Daylen Lile, who contributed with a sacrifice fly that was just short of a home run. Luis Garcia Jr. then doubled, bringing in two runs before Bell hit his eighth home run of the season—the second in two days.

For much of the game, Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore seemed to need little offensive help, striking out eight batters in six innings and extending his season total to 101 strikeouts. The win, however, ultimately went to reliever Jose A. Ferrer, now 2-2.

The Mariners responded in the seventh inning, tying the game at 2-2 with back-to-back RBI singles from Leody Taveras and Ben Williamson. With close game dynamics, Seattle threatened again in the eighth inning, placing two runners on base, but Nationals reliever Cole Henry managed to induce a pop-up from Randy Arozarena and retire Miles Mastrobuoni and Rowdy Tellez with groundouts.

Notably, Lile’s RBI marked the first of his young MLB career, as he narrowly missed scoring a home run earlier in the game.

Looking ahead, the Nationals are scheduled to start right-hander Jake Irvin on Friday night at Arizona. The Mariners will feature right-hander Bryan Woo as they begin a three-game home series against Minnesota.