Eli Willits' Inside-the-Park HR Sparks Nats' Offense

0:00It's April 21st. This is MLB News Today Baseball coverage powered by AI. The Washington Nationals young offense has been lighting it up this season, sitting tied for third and runs scored at 99, third in batting. Average at 271, and tie for fifth in homers with 20. It's keeping things exciting despite some pitching woes. Earlier this week, their top prospect, 18-year-old Eli Willitz, notched his first professional home run in a single A game with Fredericksburg. It wasn't the usual blast over the fence though. This was an inside-the-part job. Willitz ripped the liner to right field that scooted under the fielders glove. By the time they chased it down, he was already passed second, using his elite speed to circle the bases and slide in safe ahead of the throw. He's had a slow start this year, slashing 182 over 321, over 318, across 11 games with 3 doubles, 3. RBI's, 13 strikeouts, and 9 walks. Last season, right out of the draft, he hit 300

1:03over 397 over 360 in 15 games, including a 9-game hitch streak. No major worries yet. He's one of the youngest in single A, just adjusting to pro ball. That homer could spark some real power growth and turn his debut year around strong.