These Nats defensive plays were G4 highlights

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals' defense did its best to keep Game 4 of the World Series close enough to remain interesting with some highlight-reel plays from third baseman Anthony Rendon and outfielders Victor Robles and Juan Soto.

Even though the Nats’ bullpen eventually let the game slip out of hand en route to an 8-1 loss to the Astros on Saturday night, all three players showed why they are a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award at their respective position.

Robles made an unbelievable diving catch in shallow left-center field to rob Houston's Michael Brantley of a hit for the second out of the fifth inning. It had a 5-percent catch probability, according to Statcast. Robles ran 42 feet in only 2.9 seconds to make the catch. Robles had one 5-star catch (0-25 percent catch probability) in the regular season, when he led the big leagues with +21 Outs Above Average.

Robles then ran down a ball that Robinson Chirinos hit to left-center field for the second out of the sixth. It was a 3-star catch with a 55-percent catch probability. He ran 66 feet in 4.1 seconds to make the play.

Rendon made a fantastic diving catch on a ball that Yuli Gurriel scorched up the third-base line with runners at the corners and one out in the first inning. One run scored and Gurriel reached first for a single, but Rendon prevented a double and Alex Bregman from possibly scoring all the way from first base. Nationals starter Patrick Corbin allowed two runs in the inning, instead of three.

Rendon later robbed José Altuve of an extra-base hit with a diving stop to start the third inning. He threw him out for the first out.

The game was already well in the Astros' favor in the ninth, but Soto saved a run with a throw from left field. Chirinos tried to score from second base on a one-out single by Jake Marisnick, but Soto fired a strike to home to prevent the run. It was his first outfield assist of the year.