Rays’ Grand Slam Fuels 7-4 Victory, Completes Sweep of Nationals

WASHINGTON (Aug. 31, 2025) - Brandon Lowe crushed a grand slam in the second inning and Josh Lowe added two hits as the Tampa Bay Rays surged past the Washington Nationals 7-4 on Sunday, sealing a three-game series sweep at Nationals Park.

Tampa Bay erupted for six runs in the second inning. After Josh Lowe’s leadoff double and Bob Seymour’s single, Everson Pereira’s infield hit scored the game’s first run. Tristan Gray’s bases-loaded walk forced home a second run, and Brandon Lowe followed by drilling a 1-2 slider over the right-field wall for a 6-0 lead.

Starter Ian Seymour (3-0) settled in after the early onslaught, allowing four runs (one earned) on five hits over five innings while striking out eight and walking one. Pete Fairbanks closed out the game with a scoreless ninth, recording his 24th save of the season.

Washington got on the board in the bottom of the third on Jacob Young’s RBI double and added three runs in the fourth inning. Brady House and Daylen Lile each had two hits, but the Nationals struck out 16 times and fell to their eighth straight loss.

Despite allowing seven runs, Washington starter Brad Lord (4-8) was backed by a bullpen that combined for six scoreless innings, keeping the contest within reach before Tampa Bay’s offense put it away.

The Rays improved to 67-69 and will open a three-game road series against the Seattle Mariners on Monday. Washington, now 53-83, turns to rookie Andrew Alvarez to start their series opener at Miami.