Nationals' Trevor Williams, four relievers combine to blank Rangers 1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Trevor Williams escaped two bases-loaded, none-out jams while pitching five scoreless innings, four relievers finished off Washington’s shutout and Alex Call singled home the game’s only run as the Nationals beat the Texas Rangers 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Washington (15-15) recorded its third shutout of the season, all since April 17, and has a chance to move above .500 for the first time since July 1, 2021.

After allowing three consecutive singles to open Texas’ second inning, Williams (3-0) recorded three outs on eight pitches.

Two singles and a walk loaded the bases for the Rangers again in the fifth. Williams again got the first out on a force at the plate. He then struck out Adolis García, who entered hitting .423 with runners in scoring position, and retired Evan Carter on popup to shallow center.

“Believe it or not, I’ve been there before,” Williams said. “Your thought process is one pitch at a time. You just trust that as a pitcher no matter what, you have the advantage.”