Triple play helps Nationals hold off Giants 4-1

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Washington Nationals turned the first triple play in their 12-season history, holding on in the eighth inning to help preserve a strong outing by Max Scherzer and beat the San Francisco Giants 4-1 on Friday night.

The Giants loaded the bases in the eighth with two walks sandwiched around a single. Brandon Crawford then lined an 0-1 pitch from Sammy Solis to first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who had entered the game moments earlier as a defensive replacement.

Zimmerman quickly stepped on first base for the second out then threw to third baseman Anthony Rendon to catch Denard Span to complete the triple play.

The Nationals didn't get to keep the ball from their milestone play, however. Rendon casually flipped it into the stands after the play.