Abrams shows confidence to step up in late, close games

WASHINGTON -- The Mets are one of the Nationals' most-faced opponents, between Spring Training and the regular season. Perhaps that is a good thing for shortstop CJ Abrams.

Abrams has hit two of his three home runs this season against the National League East rivals.

“It doesn’t really matter who it is,” said Abrams. “It’s just good for the confidence, get things going. It’s good for the team as well. We’re winning, so let’s keep going.”

On Sunday afternoon, Abrams belted the go-ahead homer in the seventh inning to lift the Nationals over the Mets, 3-2. The matinee was the continuation of Saturday’s suspended contest (due to inclement weather) and was Game 1 of a split doubleheader.

Abrams hammered a cutter from right-hander Dominic Leone a Statcast-projected 411 feet to center field to break the 2-2 tie. It was Abrams’ first home run since April 27 at Citi Field, when he pummeled his first career grand slam.

“I thought it had a chance, for sure,” Abrams said.

Manager Dave Martinez said Abrams has been working with hitting coach Darnell Coles to keep his swing more flat through the zone. Abrams noted he also has been focusing on stride direction. He finished Game 1 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored, and he added to his day with another 2-for-4, two-RBI performance in Washington's 8-2 loss in Game 2.

“[I’m] keeping it simple, hitting my pitch, not getting myself out,” said Abrams. “The biggest thing is probably just swinging at strikes.”

Of his three home runs this season, all have come in the seventh inning or later. His first homer of 2023 was hit in the seventh frame on April 22 in Minnesota; the go-ahead grand slam in Queens came in the eighth.

“He doesn’t panic,” said Martinez. “He is who he is. He goes up there and he was on time. I watched him, he got back early, he stayed in his legs and he got the bat through the zone really quick. When he can do that, you see that. Nothing seems to rattle him. There are some guys that have the knack to want to hit on base; he’s been pretty good at that thus far.”

Abrams entered the day batting .350 when the game is late and close, .350 in a tie game and .343 in high-leverage situations. Delivering in those clutch situations is a key aspect in the development of the 22-year-old who is poised to be part of the Nationals’ long-term future.

“When it’s time, I can step up,” Abrams said. “I’ve got confidence in myself and in my team. So we’re doing good.”