WASHINGTON – The Nationals’ final game of the 2026 season embodied a characteristic first-year manager Blake Butera has lauded.
Trailing 4-1 in the second inning, the Nationals fought back to tie the game in the third, and Andrés Chaparro hit his second homer of the day to put them on top for a 6-4 victory in the season finale on Sunday afternoon.
The Nationals finished September 11-11 and came from behind to win 33 times this season.
“I’m most proud of the resilience of this group,” Butera said pregame. “It's been pretty amazing.”
The Nationals entered the 2026 season with the uncertainty of change. A revamped front office, a new coaching staff and a young roster taking the next steps in its development. How would this all play out?
The Nationals made an 11-win improvement from 2025 and finished the season 77-85. It is their most wins since 2019.
“When [Ted Lasso] talks about being a goldfish, I feel like we have a bunch of goldfish in there,” said Butera. “And it makes it really fun for me when you don't have to wonder if they're going to come out flat the next day.”