In the past couple of seasons, the Washington Nationals have navigated a challenging landscape, transitioning from their glorious 2019 World Series triumph to a period of rebuilding and adjustment. Fans can expect to dive into some thrilling moments as we break down exciting stories from the field, like the unforgettable showdown between Max Scherzer and Phillies manager Joe Girardi, where Scherzer’s substance checks became a spectacle of tension and humor. We’ll also explore the dramatic antics of Joe Maddon protesting over Sean Doolittle’s toe tap delivery, illustrating the fine line between strategy and controversy. And let’s not forget the nail-biting intensity when Scherzer, with 116 pitches under his belt, struck out a crucial batter while the Nats clung to a slim lead in the eighth inning—moments like these remind us of the thrill and drama that baseball brings, even during a rebuilding phase.
Most Popular Washington Nationals Breakdowns of All Time
Scherzer gets checked for sticky stuff and chaos ensues
Major League Baseball’s new crackdown on foreign substances took center stage during a wild Nationals game featuring Max Scherzer and Phillies manager Joe Girardi. Scherzer, one of the league’s top pitchers, underwent multiple substance checks during the game. After routine inspections in the first and third innings, Scherzer looked annoyed but complied, even joking about his bald spot being exposed.
View count: 4,238,479 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Joe Maddon protests the game because Sean Doolittle taps the ground in his delivery
Joe Maddon protested a game after Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle used a toe tap during his delivery. Maddon believed the move violated the pitching rules, claiming he had been told a foot plant mid-motion was illegal. He voiced his concern to the umpire, who then consulted with the crew.
View count: 1,812,574 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Max Scherzer refuses to come out of the game
The Nationals led by three runs in the bottom of the eighth with Max Scherzer already at 116 pitches. A runner stood in scoring position. Scherzer struck out the batter, ramping up the intensity.
View count: 1,807,291 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Culberson Gets Hit in the Face and Snitker Gets Ejected
During a recent game, Charlie Culberson squared to bunt with two runners on and no outs. The pitch came in high and hit him square in the face. The moment was tough to watch, especially in slow motion, as the ball made direct contact.
View count: 1,205,376 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Jorge Lopez suspended for intentionally throwing at Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds
Jorge Lopez came into a cold game for the Nationals trying to keep the deficit at one run. But what unfolded was a messy seventh inning loaded with history and emotion. A year earlier, Lopez had been lit up by Brian Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen when he pitched for the Cubs.
View count: 1,118,382 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
The Latest Washington Nationals Breakdown Videos
- Jorge Lopez suspended for intentionally throwing at Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds, a breakdown
- Referees threaten Commanders with a rule that would give the Eagles a free touchdown, a breakdown
- Timing issues cost Buccaneers a playoff win vs. Commanders, a breakdown
- Referee protects Lawson Crouse’s head after Tom Wilson slams it, a breakdown
- Mike Clevinger thinks Dom Smith was showing him up, a breakdown
- Bill Belichick furious at refs (NFL Week 2 Recap), a breakdown
- Team’s only hit is a walk-off home run, a breakdown
- Davey Martinez prints photo of bad call, a breakdown
- Ball deflects off runner’s helmet for an out and other softball stuff, a breakdown
- Sharks coach gets ejected for continuously yelling F you at ref, a breakdown
- Odor pimps a warning track fly out, a breakdown
- Confusing ending sends Washington to LLWS, a breakdown
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