Matthews' Gem Powers Twins to 1-0 Shutout Win Over Nationals

Friday, July 25th, 2025

The Minnesota Twins kicked off a crucial homestand with a tightly contested 1-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night, July 25, 2025. Rookie right-hander Zebby Matthews delivered the best performance of his young career, pitching six masterful scoreless innings to secure the win for the Twins. MacKenzie Gore, despite allowing only one hit, struggled with control for the Nationals, issuing six walks.

Matthews' Career-Best Outing Propels Twins

Zebby Matthews (2-2) earned his first win since returning from a six-week stint on the injured list with a shoulder strain. The 25-year-old right-hander dominated the Nationals' lineup, allowing just two hits over six innings – a career low in his 15 major league starts. Matthews was in complete control, striking out six batters and issuing no walks. He kept the ball in the infield for most of his outing, not allowing a ball out until Luis García Jr.'s two-out double in the fourth inning. This marked Matthews' first career start where he departed with a shutout intact.

Nationals' Offensive Woes and Gore's Control Issues

The Washington Nationals' offense remained in a deep slump, extending their scoreless streak to 21 consecutive innings. Their last run came in the sixth inning of a 6-1 win against Cincinnati on Tuesday.

On the mound for Washington, MacKenzie Gore (4-10) matched a career high by issuing six walks in his five innings of work. Despite giving up only one hit, his lack of command proved costly. Two wild pitches after walking Matt Wallner in the fifth allowed Wallner to advance to third, setting up the game's only run.

Buxton's Sacrifice Fly Secures Lone Run

The decisive moment came in the fifth inning. After MacKenzie Gore walked Matt Wallner, Wallner advanced to third base on two wild pitches. All-Star Byron Buxton then delivered a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing Wallner home for the Twins' lone run of the game, which proved to be all Zebby Matthews needed.

Twins Hold Off Late Nationals Threat; Playoff Race Heats Up

In the eighth inning, Daylen Lile hit a one-out double off Twins reliever Griffin Jax, posing a threat for the Nationals. However, Jax quickly recovered, striking out Riley Adams on three pitches. Despite walking Jacob Young, Jax escaped the jam by getting CJ Abrams to fly out, preserving the Twins' slim lead.

This victory was crucial for the Minnesota Twins, who are fighting for an AL wild-card spot. Entering the game five games out with five teams ahead of them, the Twins have now won nine of their last 12 games at Target Field. Their strong home record (29-20 this season) will be vital as they continue a five-game homestand leading up to the trade deadline.

Upcoming Matchup

The series continues on Saturday night. Mitchell Parker (6-10, 5.00 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for the Washington Nationals. The Minnesota Twins will counter with All-Star Joe Ryan (10-4, 2.63 ERA).

In summary

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Washington Nationals 1-0 on Friday, July 25, 2025, in a pivotal home game. Zebby Matthews delivered a career-best performance, throwing six scoreless innings with just two hits allowed, six strikeouts, and no walks. The Twins' sole run came in the fifth inning on an RBI sacrifice fly from All-Star Byron Buxton, following a walk and two wild pitches from Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore, who issued six walks. The Nationals' offense struggled, extending their scoreless streak to 21 innings. This win was important for the Twins in their pursuit of an AL wild-card spot. The series continues Saturday with Mitchell Parker (Nationals) facing All-Star Joe Ryan (Twins).

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