The Nationals’ catching tandem of Drew Millas and Keibert Ruiz has provided little offensive punch.

But just one game after Millas had his best offensive showing of the season against the Twins — going 2-for-4 with a homer and double — Ruiz delivered three extra-base hits for Washington in Thursday’s 7-5 win over the Twins to clinch their first home series win.

“Huge game from him,” manager Blake Butera said. “[It was] such a big spot every time he came up there. Just happy for [Ruiz].”

Those big spots included an at-bat in the seventh inning with the game tied. After former National Josh Bell delivered an RBI double in the top half of the frame, Ruiz struck back with a leadoff solo homer on a 3-1 count to allow Washington to regain the lead. Washington tacked on an additional run and stayed in front.

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Getting any offensive production out of the catcher position is a boon for the Nationals. Entering Thursday, Nationals catchers were 26th in batting average (.177), 30th in on-base percentage (.220) and 24th in slugging percentage (.290), with a weighted runs created plus of 39, the worst mark in the majors, according to Fangraphs. Washington catchers combined to go 5-for-8 with three doubles and six RBIs over the past two games.

Even though catcher is a defense-first position, with a responsibility to craft game plans with the pitching staff, any offensive contribution from that spot lengthens the Nationals’ lineup.

“That’s why those guys have probably the hardest job in baseball,” said starting pitcher Jake Irvin, who allowed four runs on eight hits in five innings.

Seeing some inkling of success goes a long way for a struggling hitter, especially when it leads to wins. Ruiz entered the game with a .182 batting average and only one walk.

“[Millas and Ruiz] both believe [that] they should be doing better than they are, and it just seems like they’re trying to hit a grand slam every at-bat,” Butera said. “They’re trying to gain 100 points in [batting] average with each plate appearance.”

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After the Twins took a 2-0 lead in the second, the Nationals tied the game in the third with an RBI double by Ruiz and a sacrifice fly by Nasim Nuñez.

In the fifth, the Twins took a 3-2 lead and the Nationals answered with a three-run inning to grab a 5-3 lead. In all, the Nationals scored in three innings, showcasing the versatile offensive attack that has allowed them to surprise many in baseball at the beginning of the season.

Over the last 14 days, the offense had reverted to the level many thought that the Nationals would perform at this season. They entered Thursday 30th in batting average (.213), 29th in OBP (.291) and 25th in slugging percentage (.359) in that two-week span, according to Fangraphs.

Millas said Wednesday that some adjustments with hitting coach Matt Borgschulte helped get him in a good place. The coaching staff wanted him to be more athletic in the batter’s box, so he’s shifted more weight to the front side, he said.

Ruiz said postgame that he’s been spending more time in the cage and being more selective. He possesses plus bat-to-ball skills and rarely whiffs.

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That Millas showed positive signs in Wednesday’s win and Ruiz was the catalyst Thursday is a positive indicator for the Nationals as they begin a six-game road trip Friday.

“Both [Ruiz and Millas] being able to hit, it’s such an added bonus,” Butera said. “But if we can get some offense from both of those guys, it just goes such a long way with the defense they provide behind the plate right now.”

This article has been updated.