There arenât many times teams deep in last place in their division, like the Washington Nationals (37-50), get to celebrate. Each win and major accomplishment for the rebuilding Nationals is a big plus. On Thursday, there was plenty to celebrate as they beat the Detroit Tigers 11-7 at home to win the three-game series right before Fourth of July weekend.Â
While this win was huge for the young team moving forward, it was a big set of moments for a certain group that surpassed milestones on Thursday. Among the biggest performers of the night was 22-year-old leftfielder James Wood, who might have accounted for the best performance of his young career. Â
Wood’s Accomplishment Amidst Big Announcement
Wood was 5-of-5 at the plate, accounting for five hits (the most in his career), three runs, including a home run in the fourth inning, and two RBIs. With his performance, Wood became the youngest player in team history to account for five hits. He accounted for three runs, one hit, two walks, one stolen base, and only one strikeout the day before in the Washington Nationalsâ 9-4 win over the Detroit Tigers. Â
The young star had his best performance of his Major League career on the same day that he announced on his social media that he would be competing in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star Break. The first game for Wood since announcing his Home Run Derby would be an all-time great. He now has 23 home runs in 87 games played this season, compared to the nine home runs in 79 games last year.Â
Wood talked about the time to be invited to the Home Run Derby to MLBâs Jessica Camerato. Â
âIt’s just an honor to be invited. Winning it would be cool, but I’m just there to have a good time.âÂ
Nationals manager Dave Martinez talked about Thursday being a big night for the young star, who has seen a huge boost in production since his first year in the league last season. Â
âGreat for James, great for our organization, our fans. He deserves to be on it. I’m excited for him. I hope he does really well.âÂ
Martinez Accomplishes Milestone as Manager for the Nationals
Speaking of Martinez, he had a big moment with the team on Thursday. Martinez accounted for his 500th win as the Washington Nationalsâ manager after defeating the Detroit Tigers. He was able to accomplish this in seven and a half seasons with Washington since joining the organization in 2018. Martinez is currently third on the Nationalsâ board in all-time wins and is only 21 wins away from passing Buck Rodgersâs 520 wins. Â
Martinez currently has an overall record of 500-619, which includes multiple rebuilding seasons since the 2019 World Series-winning season. There has been a lot of criticism over Martinezâs ability to develop the team, but it doesnât help that the front office constantly makes the team sellers at the trade deadline. Â
This win and accomplishment for Martinez is a bright spot in a rough time for the Nationals, as they are constantly rebuilding and looking for their star. The good news is that they may have found that star in Wood for the foreseeable future. This could be the turning point for the players, Martinez, and the fans, but it is up to the front office to make the right moves.Â
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