The Washington Nationals, led by home hero Jameswood and part-time home depot worker Brad Road, humiliated the defending champion Dodgers with an 8-2 victory. It was DC banner night.
On a frigid 40-degree night, I sat in my seat and was very concerned about Blood Road. He had a great year with minors last year, but after all, there had to be a reason he was a 18-round pick. Now, his 18th pick, working at Home Depot, is facing Shohei Ohtani.
However, Otani has proven to be no match for builder Brad. The Japanese superstar was a victim of the career strikeout of the Lord starting the game. It’s a story he tells 100% to his grandchild.
But the Lord was far from the only national hero last night. Another big star in the 8-2 victory was James Wood. He didn’t hit the leadoff spot like I’d like, but he still produced.
The 6’7 Slugger went 4-3 on a walk and five RBIs. It included two impressive home runs. It was a 40 degree night so he had to get all the balls to get it out. But Wood has so much power. He can hit Antaltica’s Homer if he gets the ball.
Wood is really starting to look at the ball well. Just a few days ago, his numbers didn’t look good. But the beauty of baseball in April is that those numbers look much better in a few days. Now his OPS is left to the beautiful .981.
His second home run was also pulled, which was a very nice sight. I love the way James goes in such an easy way in the opposite direction. But his next step is to find a way to turn on the pitch inside consistently. He did it on his second home run.
As expected, Natt had to go well with the very malignant bullpen, as Lord only made three innings. They helped to be given a big lead, but they still worked. In six innings, the bullpen only allowed two runs and hit the 11th inning.
Colin Pouch started things by hitting the sides. It needs to increase great confidence for struggling rescuers. Orlando Ribalta came next and he gave Natt three solid innings of one runball. Davey Martinez really seems to like the idea of Ribalta as a multi-inning bullpen arm.
Finally, Jackson Rutledge came in two innings. His innings were dangerous, but he got the job done and allowed Quique Hernandez to have a solo homer.
Tonight was the best moment of the Nats season so far. They took the series in a dominant way from the defending champions. James Wood, Keeber Lewis, Dylan Crew and Jacob Young all spent a multi-hit night. That’s exactly how Davy and Rizzo created this series.
The Nats are sitting 5-6 after a four-game winning streak. They will reach .500 in a late afternoon showdown against the Dodgers. Sweeping out the most expensive teams in baseball history would be a statement from these young NATs. Leading by Rockville child James Wood and 18th round home depot worker Brad Lorde, the Nats once again overcome the multi-billion-dollar Dodgers in a dominant way this time.
