Brandon Lowe's Grand Slam Leads Tampa Bay Rays to 7-4 Win, Series Sweep Over Washington Nationals – August 31, 2025

Sunday, August 31st, 2025

Tampa Bay Rays Complete Sweep of Washington Nationals with 7-4 Win

Brandon Lowe launched a grand slam as part of a six-run second inning, powering the Tampa Bay Rays to a 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals and completing a three-game sweep on Sunday.

Rays Offense Erupts Early

Tampa Bay’s bats came alive in the second inning. Josh Lowe opened the rally with a double, advanced to third on a single from Bob Seymour, and scored on Everson Pereira’s RBI single. After Tristan Gray walked to load the bases and Carson Williams drew a four-pitch walk to force in another run, Brandon Lowe crushed a home run, giving the Rays a commanding 6-0 lead.

The offense continued in the third as Josh Lowe tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Pereira, extending the lead to 7-0.

Nationals Rally Falls Short

The Nationals began chipping away in the third when Jacob Young doubled in Brady House. In the fourth, Riley Adams walked and scored after Dylan Crews reached on a fielding error by third baseman Junior Caminero. House capped the Nationals’ rally by singling in two more runs, cutting the deficit to 7-4, but Tampa Bay’s pitching prevented further damage.

Strong Outing from Rays Pitchers

Tampa Bay starter Ian Seymour improved to 3-0, allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits and striking out eight across his outing. Pete Fairbanks closed the game, pitching a scoreless ninth inning and earning his 24th save of the season. Rays outfielder Everson Pereira contributed defensively by throwing out Daylen Lile attempting to stretch a single into a double in the ninth inning, which helped secure the win.

Nationals’ Pitching Struggles Early

Washington starter Brad Lord (4-8) struggled, yielding seven runs and five hits in three innings of work.

Key Stat: Rays Sweep Sixth Series

The Rays secured their sixth series sweep of the season and their fourth sweep away from home, marking their first since late June at Kansas City.

Up Next

Washington’s Andrew Alvarez, the organization’s 2023 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, will make his MLB debut Monday as the Nationals begin a three-game set against the Miami Marlins. The Marlins have yet to announce their starter.

Tampa Bay heads to Seattle with Shane Baz (8-11, 5.19 ERA) scheduled to start Monday’s game. The Mariners will counter with Luis Castillo (8-7, 3.75 ERA) in the three-game series opener.

In summary

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Washington Nationals 7-4, completing a three-game sweep fueled by Brandon Lowe’s grand slam and a six-run second inning. Ian Seymour earned the win with an eight-strikeout performance, while Pete Fairbanks picked up his 24th save. The Nationals mounted a rally but fell short as Tampa Bay's defense held strong. This victory marks the Rays’ sixth series sweep of the 2025 MLB season, highlighting their ability to perform on the road as they continue their campaign.

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