Nationals right-hander Paolo Espino went the distance Thursday against the Phillies for his first career complete game. He also threw only four innings. Huh?

The 35-year-old can thank Mother Nature for that.

Thursday’s game was delayed in the fifth inning and ultimately called due to rain after Philadelphia’s Noah Syndergaard retired Washington in the top of the frame, thus making it an official game.

Philadelphia was leading 5-4 at the time of the delay, so the club walked away with a rain-shortened win, while Espino took the four-inning, complete-game loss. (Syndergaard also received credit for a complete game.)

It marked just the sixth time in the expansion era (since 1961) that a pitcher tossed a complete game but threw four innings. Espino joined Ryan Feierabend (2019), Steve Trachsel (2006), Pete Smith (1990), Ross Grimsley (1977) and Dick Drago (1971) in the group of pitchers who have accomplished the odd feat.