Wood's Monster Game Propels Nationals

0:00On April 22nd, James Wood is on fire this season, folks. The nationals rookie crushed his team, leading eighth home run and reached base five times in an 11-to-4 Smackdown over the Braves at Nationals Park. That blast was a monster, 4-12-foot opposite field shot with a 114.5 mile per hour exit velocity. His fifth. Career Homer, that heart and stat cast, started tracking in 2015. Wood set the tone early, drawing a lead-off walk in a three-run first inning before leading off the second with that Homer against starter Ronaldo. Lopez, who got yanked after just one inning and two batters on 46 pitches. The Nats own the major's best first inning offense with 22 runs already, and all six guys in that frame reached base safely. Out in the field, Wood flash goal glove range with a diving catch to rob a Braves hitter, and he drew three more walks, including one intentional two. Lead the national league with 21 free passes.

1:00Meanwhile, lefty foster Griffin went six strong innings, his longest start, allowing just three runs on five hits. Luis Garcia Jr. snapped out of a slump with a 4-5 night and three RBIs batting behind Wood. The whole team drew 12 walks, their most since April 7, 2019. With young stars like this stepping up, the nationals are building real momentum heading into the next series. I'm Corey with the story that you're watching to nationals news today update AI powered and always on.