Washington Nationals: Matt Adams Caps off DC sports historic night
By Blake Finney
The hockey team made history in Pittsburgh, but the Washington Nationals weren’t too shabby either on Monday night. Matt Adams led the way in San Diego.
Just as the Washington Nationals were about to start their game in San Diego, their hockey playing brothers were making history against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The baseball team channeled their inner Capitals with some serious power play in the sixth inning. The frame was highlighted by a Matt Adams two-run home run, his first of two on the night.
The left-handed slugger continued his assault on baseballs around the country with his 9th and 10th HRs of the year. He started his eighth game in a row, due to injuries to Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Eaton but he now needs to stay in against right-handers. At the very least.
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Adams is hitting .318 against righties in 2018, and has earned every bit of the playing time he’s received lately. With Zimmerman’s struggles, first base is his best route to more playing time, and filling in in left field when given a chance.
The BFFs team up to do damage
Anthony Rendon and Trea Turner have one of the best bromances in baseball. And on Monday they helped set the table for the heroic Adams.
Turner was driven in once by his buddy Rendon, who has wasted no time in re-finding his form. The Nats third-baseman ripped two identical doubles down to left field before he could jog home thanks to the Adams bombs.
Two potential MVP candidates, if they can live up to their lofty expectations, are now rolling. Turner is hitting .333 over the last 16 days, and Rendon is 3 for 10 since being activated from the DL. They are locked into the heart of the order and are making this offense tick.
Zimmerman still out of the lineup
Despite Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reporting that Ryan Zimmerman said he felt better, he was once again out of the lineup. This is partially due to the sore side he picked up on Friday. But with Adams swinging a hot bat, making sure he’s fully healthy is the main priority.
Left-hander Clayton Richard is due to face the Nationals on Tuesday, that seems like an ideal opportunity for Zimmerman to get back on the field.
Despite the lackluster overall line, Zimmerman is hitting .290 against lefties so far this season. So it would be worthwhile for Davey Martinez to give Matt Adams a breather, as he’s likely not used to a starter workload just yet.
But the long-time Nat will have to perform when he is in the lineup. If he doesn’t, the scorching hot Adams may keep eating into his playing time.
The Washington Nationals have now won eight of their last nine games, and will look to make it nine of ten on Tuesday night. Given the late finishes, hopefully they won’t need overtime like the Capitals.