Three years after MLB debut, Cavalli twirls gem for first career win

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Cade Cavalli had never faced the Phillies.

He, of course, was familiar with them as a divisional opponent since he was drafted by the Nationals in 2020. But a near three-year recovery from Tommy John surgery had kept him sidelined from seeing live action against the NL East-leading foe.

Cavalli introduced himself to the Phillies by hurling seven scoreless innings in his first career win, a 2-0 shutout Saturday at Nationals Park.

Cavalli allowed seven hits, but did not issue a walk and recorded five strikeouts while keeping his pitch count to an efficient 90. He located 63 of those pitches for strikes.

“He was unbelievable, amazing -- whatever you want to call it,” said interim manager Miguel Cairo.

Cavalli is only the fourth starter to throw seven scoreless innings versus Philadelphia this season, joining Andre Pallante (April 11 vs. Cardinals), Framber Valdez (June 24 vs. Astros) and Hunter Brown (June 26 vs. Astros).

“Stay in attack mode,” Cavalli said of his game plan. “They are an aggressive team. I just wanted to go get quick outs and give our bullpen some depth today.”

Cavalli went after the Phillies with a pitch mix featuring his knuckle curve (37 pitches), sinker (24), changeup (15) and four-seam fastball (14). He maxed at 99.7 mph on a first-inning swinging strike against Bryce Harper, and he was still throwing 98 mph in the seventh inning.

“He was great,” said James Wood, whose two-run double provided the only runs of the game. “Getting swing-and-miss on the fastball, he had chase on the curveball. I think when you’ve got those two going and you’ve got two pitches as good as he’s got like that, he can be like that on any given day.”

Saturday’s dazzling performance against the Phillies was the fourth career MLB start for Cavalli, who turned 27 on Thursday. His seven innings pitched set a career high for a game.

Cavalli made his Major League debut on Aug. 26, 2022. He sustained a grade three sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament during Spring Training the following year, and he did not return to the mound with the Nationals until Aug. 6 of this season. Cavalli is ranked as the Nationals’ No. 10 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.

“[The win signifies] all the work that I put in,” said Cavalli. “I just appreciate all these guys believing in me … The defense was great, Riley [Adams] was unbelievable, and it’s just a great team win.”

Cavalli’s deep outing required only one call to the bullpen. Southpaw Jose A. Ferrer, who has taken over the closer role since Kyle Finnegan was traded to the Tigers, delivered two scoreless innings to earn his second save.

“He’s electric every time he comes out there,” said Cavalli. “He’s got a confidence and swagger about him that’s contagious. It’s just fun watching him go compete.”

The Nationals have clinched at least a series split of the four-game matchup, which concludes Sunday at 11:35 a.m. ET.

“[Cavalli] putting up seven shutout is a great lift,” said Wood. “We’re just all happy to have him here and just seeing him be himself and up here and healthy.”