---
title: "Nationals crush Orioles 13-3, reach .500 milestone"
description: "Cade Cavalli shines on the mound while Keibert Ruiz has a career day, lifting the Nationals to a crucial win."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/cavalli-takes-shutout-into-7th-ruiz-drives-in-5-as-national-914b43e2
published: 2026-05-17T14:04:24.87+00:00
updated: 2026-05-17T14:04:24.87+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["baseball"]
---

# Nationals crush Orioles 13-3, reach .500 milestone

> Cade Cavalli shines on the mound while Keibert Ruiz has a career day, lifting the Nationals to a crucial win.

The Washington Nationals dominated the Baltimore Orioles with a 13-3 victory, showcasing a stellar performance from Cade Cavalli and a breakout day from catcher Keibert Ruiz.

Cavalli pitched seven scoreless innings, silencing the Orioles' bats and solidifying his role as a key player in the Nationals' rotation.

Meanwhile, Ruiz drove in five runs, including his third home run of the season, marking a career-best performance that energized the team.

This win is significant for the Nationals, as it marks their first time reaching the .500 mark since May 2024.

With the competitive NL East division in sight, this victory provides crucial momentum for the Nationals as they aim for playoff contention.

The combination of strong pitching and offensive firepower could be the spark they need to sustain their push in the final stretch of the season.

What's next: The Nationals will look to build on this momentum as they continue their series against the Orioles, hoping to solidify their standing in the division.

## Why this matters

Reaching the .500 mark is a critical milestone for the Nationals, who have struggled in recent seasons. This victory not only boosts their confidence but also positions them as serious contenders in the NL East. With the postseason approaching, every win counts, and this performance could be a turning point for the franchise.

## Frequently asked

### How did Cade Cavalli perform in the game?

Cade Cavalli had a standout performance, pitching seven scoreless innings against the Orioles. His dominance on the mound was a key factor in the Nationals' victory.

### What was Keibert Ruiz's contribution to the game?

Keibert Ruiz had a career day, driving in five runs, which included hitting his third home run of the season. His offensive output was crucial for the Nationals' win.

### What does this win mean for the Nationals' playoff hopes?

This victory is significant as it brings the Nationals to a .500 record for the first time since May 2024, providing crucial momentum as they push for playoff contention in the competitive NL East.

## Sources & Citations

- [Cavalli takes shutout into 7th, Ruiz drives in 5 as Nationals reach .500 with 13-3 win over Orioles](http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401815360) — ESPN (2026-05-16)

---

Cite: Nationals crush Orioles 13-3, reach .500 milestone. Sportopod, 2026-05-17. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/cavalli-takes-shutout-into-7th-ruiz-drives-in-5-as-national-914b43e2