Washington Nationals: Different Night, Same Offensive Struggles
By Max Rayman
When it was needed the most, Washington’s offense vanished.
With a 3-0 lead and Max Scherzer on the mound, Washington was in a comfortable position to make a statement. But three swings of the bat from Vlad Guerrero Jr. changed the entirety of the game. After back-to-back homers in the top of the third for Washington, Toronto was in desperate need of some offense. Vlad Guerrero Jr. provided that in spades.
In the bottom of the third, Toronto’s slugger launched a grand slam off of Scherzer, his first of three homers on the night. He went 3-4, with seven RBI’s, single handily carrying his team to a win. This marked the first time in his career he hit three or more home runs in a game.
In an instant, Washington’s lead vanished and the offense never recovered. On the night, Washington stranded six runners and went 1-5 with runners in scoring position.
In the top of the fourth, the Nationals had the bases loaded with one out, but Victor Robles hit into an inning-ending double play. After a hot start to the season, the former top prospect has looked lost at the plate. He’s hitting .200 on the season, with an OPS of .574. Through the first week of the season, Robles showed much improve plate discipline. Unfortunately, it seems Robles has fallen back into some old habits, seen by his 16 strikeouts.
Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber continue to be hindered by their extended time off to start the season. Last night, the duo went 1-8, with four strikeouts. In the top of the fifth, Washington had two one with one out, but Bell struck out, while Schwarber flew out to right. Acquired to be power threats, neither have been able to get going. They each have a batting average under .200, with a homer apiece.
A major reason for their struggles was landing on the COVID list which completely destroyed their timing at the plate. Baseball players are creatures of habit, and it is incredibly challenging to refine their swings once the season has already started. With Juan Soto on the IL, the offense hinges on these two refinding their timing.
Trea Turner continues to put the team on his back in Soto’s absence. The speedster had another two-homer night, while Yadiel Hernandez and Ryan Zimmerman each came through with a bomb of their own. However, the offense’s struggles have continued to hinder this team. Sadly, there does not seem to be an overnight answer.