MacKenzie Gore pitched like an ace once again, allowing just one run over seven innings with an ERA drop to 3.09, but the Nationals' offense offered no support in a 1-0 loss to the Padres. Despite Gore's 18 whiffs and dominant command, the Nats couldn't get a runner into scoring position and dropped their seventh straight series. Now at 33-48, Washington’s playoff hopes are dimming fast, and they sit 5-18 in June — a brutal fall after showing signs of life in May.

But there’s still hope on the horizon: top pitching prospect Travis Sykora has been promoted to Double-A after torching High-A hitters with a 1.21 ERA and electric stuff. Meanwhile, catcher Keibert Ruiz lands on the IL after a freak injury, opening the door for Drew Millas to join the big league club. With young talent like James Wood, CJ Abrams, and Gore continuing to shine, the Nationals still have pieces to build around heading into the second half.

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