Holding a two-run advantage in the bottom of the ninth, the Nats were just one out away from coming home with a series win in Cincinnati. That was until all the screws fell loose for closer Kyle Finnegan when Will Benson hit a game-tying two-run home run which was then followed by a walk-off 113.3 MPH home run off the bat of Christian Encarnacion-Strand. The Nats dropped Sunday afternoon’s game 6-5, while also dropping the series losing two of three. They will head home as tomorrow is the home opener at Nationals Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates (4-0).
3 takeaways from this weekend:
Trey Lipscomb is here to stay
Trey Lipscomb came to play this weekend. After learning that he would begin the season in the minor leagues, 24 hours later he was selected to rejoin the team with Nick Senzel (fractured thumb) expected to miss a few weeks. On Saturday he made his big league debut and in his first plate appearance collected his first career base hit. This afternoon he followed up that by belting his first big league home run which gave his team a seventh inning lead. It was not only the offensive numbers from spring training that translated to the no. 16 prospects success this weekend, but defensively the glove and mechanics are smooth as silk. In the two games that started this weekend, Lipscomb collected three hits (3-for-7), a home run, two RBI, and a stolen base.
Cj Abrams all over the base pads
Abrams caused chaos all over the base pads this weekend. He mentioned earlier this year that one of his goals for the season would be to steal 80 bases, and he may not have been entirely joking. He set a Nationals record with 47 stolen bases last season, but before anything, he’s going to have to get on base. Martinez has continually emphasized that Abrams needs to be selective around the zone and take walks. In part of the comeback win on Saturday, he drew three walks which led to three stolen bases turning into three runs. Against Cincinnati pitching Abrams went 2-for-10 with a triple, homer, three stolen bases, and three walks while also making a few web-gem plays.
Veteran offseason additions
There were a few signings this offseason with the likes of Minor League contracts to vets OF Eddie Rosario and Jesse Winker as well as 1B/DH Joey Gallo. The vets contributions were timely when and needed this weekend. Hopefully will remain the case for a young clubhouse. Eddie Rosario (3-for-11) hit home run no. 1 on the year for the Nats on Thursday and yesterday gave the Nats a ninth-inning lead on a sac-fly. Former Red Jesse Winker went 5-for-11 over the weekend. For a guy who had a down year last year (.199 BA), coming in on a prove-it type deal could go a long way. Winker and Rosario are going to help out with the left-handed on right-handed pitching matchups. Joey Gallo has begun the year 0-for-12 with two walks and six strikeouts (three looking). Gallo hit 21 home runs last season to a .177 batting average. The walks may be his bright spot from this weekend, but it is still too early for any reactions.
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