Top prospect James Wood hit his inaugural home run in the major leagues—a three-run blast—and also smashed a two-run double, totaling a career-best five RBIs as the Washington Nationals triumphed over the St. Louis Cardinals 14-6 on Saturday.
Wood’s homer, a 383-foot shot to the opposite field, gave the Nationals a 7-0 advantage in the second inning. He has now reached base in all six games since joining the Nationals, matching Ian Desmond’s (2009) second-best start in club history.
“It’s definitely a significant moment, especially when you’re aiming to take an early lead in the game,” Wood commented on his home run.
Wood’s five RBIs are tied for the second-most by a rookie in Nationals history. Danny Espinosa had six RBIs in a game on September 6, 2010.
“It felt great,” Wood noted. “I was hitting the ball well but mostly on the ground, so it was satisfying to get one in the air.”
In the third inning, Wood doubled off the left field wall, adding two more runs. These marked his first extra-base hits in the majors.
“James Wood really came through with the crucial home run and then the double just when the Cardinals were starting to rally,” remarked Nationals manager Dave Martinez. “He’s been performing exceptionally well since his arrival. I admire his approach at the plate—he’s patient and hunts for pitches in the strike zone, which is something we’ve been focusing on with him since spring training. He’s doing an outstanding job.”
Keibert Ruiz also shined in the game, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and a three-run homer off Cardinals starter Lance Lynn (4-4).
The Nationals set a season high with 14 runs scored on 15 hits, including three home runs and four doubles.
Lynn endured a tough outing, surrendering a career-high 11 runs (10 earned) in just 2 2/3 innings on 82 pitches. He allowed nine hits, walked four, and struck out two, marking his shortest start of the season. It was only the second time this season he had given up three homers in a game.
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