Nationals manager Dave Martinez said he had some decisions to make after he moved Bryce Harper to the leadoff spot and had rookie Juan Soto, 19, bat cleanup for the first time in his big league career Thursday.
The result was a 4-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles as Soto broke a tie with a two-run double in the last of the eighth off reliever Mychal Givens, who fell to 0-4 this year.
The win gave the Nationals a record of 9-1 this season when Harper hits in the leadoff spot.