WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Nationals set a franchise record on Friday night, obliterating the Oakland Athletics 23-4.
Andrés Chaparro drove in eight runs, a career high. The 23 runs are the most scored by any MLB team in the 2026 season.
The Nationals scored in six of nine innings. They sent 13 batters to the plate in the first inning alone, scoring seven runs.
Chaparro went 4-for-5, including a home run and a double. His 8 RBIs are the most by a Nationals player since the team moved to Washington.
Key Takeaways from the 23-Run Outburst
The 23-4 win shattered the previous franchise record of 20 runs, set in 2018. The Nationals recorded 20 hits, with every starter reaching base.
Oakland’s pitching staff, already among the league’s worst, allowed 11 walks. The Athletics committed two errors.
| Player | Hits | RBIs | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrés Chaparro | 4 | 8 | 3 |
| Luis Garcia Jr. | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Keibert Ruiz | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| CJ Abrams | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Andrés Chaparro: The Star of the Show
The 26-year-old first baseman entered the game with 12 RBIs on the season. He matched that total in one night.
Chaparro’s eighth-inning grand slam capped the scoring. His 8 RBIs tie for the second-most in a game in Nationals history.
Inning-by-Inning Breakdown
First inning: 7 runs on 5 hits. Second inning: 2 runs. Third inning: 3 runs. Fifth inning: 3 runs. Seventh inning: 3 runs. Eighth inning: 5 runs.
The Athletics’ only runs came on a solo home run by Zack Gelof and a three-run shot by Shea Langeliers.
What This Win Means for the Nationals’ Season
The victory improved Washington’s record to 44-54. While still 10 games under .500, the win provides a rare bright spot in a rebuilding season.
Manager Dave Martinez called it “the most complete offensive game we’ve played all year.” The team’s 23 runs are the most allowed by Oakland since 2020.
Game Recap: Nationals 23, Athletics 4
Nationals starter Jake Irvin pitched six innings, allowing four runs. He struck out seven.
Athletics starter JP Sears lasted just 0.2 innings, allowing six earned runs. He walked three batters.
Looking Ahead
The Nationals face the Athletics again on Saturday. Washington is 5-2 against Oakland this season.
Whether the Nationals can sustain this offensive firepower remains questionable. The team ranks 27th in MLB in runs per game (3.98).
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the significance of the Washington Nationals’ 23-4 win over the Oakland Athletics?
- A: The win set a new franchise record for most runs scored in a game, surpassing the previous record of 20 runs set in 2018. It is also the highest run total by any MLB team in the 2026 season.
- Q: How many RBIs did Andrés Chaparro have in the game?
- A: Andrés Chaparro recorded a career-high 8 RBIs, going 4-for-5 with a home run and a double. His 8 RBIs tie for the second-most in a game in Nationals history.
- Q: How did the Nationals build their 23-run total?
- A: The Nationals scored in six of nine innings, including 7 runs in the first inning, 2 in the second, 3 in the third, 5th, and 7th innings, and 5 runs in the eighth inning. They recorded 20 hits and drew 11 walks.
- Q: What does this win mean for the Washington Nationals’ season?
- A: The historic offensive performance could provide a major momentum boost for the Nationals, highlighting their potential to compete at a high level and signaling a possible turning point in their season.
Extended Reading
According to MLB.com, the 23 runs are the most scored by any team in a single game in the 2026 season. The previous high was 19 runs by the Atlanta Braves on June 14.