Nationals rally past Royals 6-4 on Mead's three‑run homer, Avila rebounds in Royals' 6-2 win

On June 16, 2026, the Washington Nationals defeated the Kansas City Royals 6‑4 at Nationals Park. Curtis Mead hit a decisive three‑run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, while second‑baseman Nasim Nuñez contributed two triples and three runs. Washington starter Foster Griffin allowed one run on six hits over six innings, and the bullpen secured the victory.

The following night the Royals answered with a 6‑2 win in Washington. Luinder Avila carried a shutout into the sixth inning as Kansas City blasted four solo homers in the first three innings, including back‑to‑back shots by Lane Thomas and Michael Massey. Avila, who had been rocked in his previous start, limited the Nationals to two runs before being lifted in the sixth. Kansas City’s Michael Wacha delivered a quality start, allowing three runs over six innings. Both games marked the teams' continued struggles in the early season, with the Royals posting a league‑worst record against left‑handed starters.