Senga had, to that point in the game, thrown 5 ⅔ scoreless innings while surrendering just one hit and one walk.

Senga came into that start as the NL leader in earned run average at 1.59, with a 6-3 record and was pitching a shutout.

Senga was seen to be making a play at first base after a ground ball hit by Nationals' shortstop CJ Abrams.