Washington Nationals: A career day for Adam Eaton

A massive day from Washington Nationals Adam Eaton gives them a 13-7 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Eaton goes five-for-five!

Saturday was the day Washington Nationals fans waited for from Adam Eaton. Behind his first five-hit day of his career, the Nats pounded the Cincinnati Reds 13-7.

If you wondered about his knee, it is fine. Eaton doubled twice, singled and crushed a solo shot in the seventh off reliever Andrew Brice. Add his Opening Day performance and he starts the year hitting .750 with an OPS of 2.153.

Just love April stats in March.

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Although he saw limited action in Grapefruit League games in Florida, Eaton got in plenty of minor-league games where his at-bats were unlimited. In those games, you can lead off every inning. The purpose is getting your timing right at the plate.

And Eaton’s timing is perfect. He sees the ball well and takes whatever the pitcher throws. With Anthony Rendon and Bryce Harper behind him, he is the perfect table setter. When you consider he has not played a full game or tried to steal yet, you marvel at how far he has come since last year’s ACL surgery.

Now you know why Washington traded pitching prospects for him. Eaton goes full out all the time. And, he plays the game with passion and fun. As others have said, Eaton is the most important acquisition Washington made this winter. His spark is a game-changer.

Manager Dave Martinez must decide over the next couple weeks if he wants to shuffle around his lineup. At some point Trea Turner will shift toward the top, but Eaton has the leadoff spot for now. With Anthony Rendon hitting well between Eaton and Harper, there may be no change.

SOLIS SLAMS DOOR

Lost behind Eaton’s great afternoon was Sammy Solis’ slam-the-door inning.

Coming in for Stephen Strasburg with the bases loaded in the seventh and one out, Solis struck out Joey Votto looking. (I know, right?) Then, he induced a comebacker to notorious Nats killer Scooter Gennett.

There are question marks in the Washington pen behind the “Law Firm” trio of Sean Doolittle, Ryan Madson and Brandon Kintzler. Another strong outing from Solis might get him in the setup rotation regularly.

Solis threw six strikes in seven pitches. Much better than Enny Romero, who could not finish the ninth with an eight-run cushion.

Once considered destined for Syracuse because he has an option, Solis has the chance to play a major force in Washington championship plans.

Next: Doolittle can show he's elite

With Easter being Sunday, the finale of the series starts at 4 ET. Gio Gonzalez gets the start.

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