Wood's first homer, big day (5 RBIs) helps Nats rout Cards
This browser does not support the video element.
WASHINGTON -- It was only a matter of time before James Wood would hit his highly-anticipated first home run as a Major Leaguer. Not only did he launch a long ball into the stands in left field, but he continued to impress, adding a double and five RBIs to his resume.
In just his sixth game with the Nationals, MLB’s No. 2 prospect smashed his first dinger as a Major League ballplayer 103.3 mph off the bat. The Nationals’ youth revolution was on full display in Saturday’s 14-6 win over the Cardinals at Nationals Park, highlighted by Wood’s three-run opposite-field dinger and providing a glimpse of what the future could bring.
Following a leadoff homer from CJ Abrams and a three-run homer from Keibert Ruiz in the first inning, the Nationals had momentum with a 4-0 lead. Wood joined the slugfest, besting Cardinals veteran Lance Lynn to extend Washington's lead to 7-0 in the second inning.
The Maryland native’s display of power did not stop there. In his third plate appearance of the day, the left-handed batter’s patience at the plate paid dividends. He was able to connect with the seventh pitch from Lynn during a long at-bat, a 94.6 mph fastball, and drove the ball into left field -- with an exit velocity of 104.2 mph -- exactly 50 feet short of where he sent his homer just one frame earlier. His first career double brought in Abrams and Trey Lipscomb in the third inning.
This browser does not support the video element.
He is the third player age 21 or younger (at the time of the game) in Nats/Expos franchise history with one homer, a double and five RBIs in a game. He joins Victor Robles (Sept. 26, 2018) and Ryan Zimmerman (Aug. 18, 2006). Wood also joins the Giants’ Luis Matos, who accomplished a similar feat (six RBIs) this season on May 18.