WASHINGTON — The Mets are one of many Nationals’ most-faced opponents, between Spring Training and the common season. Perhaps that may be a good factor for shortstop CJ Abrams.
Abrams has hit two of his three house runs this season towards the National League East rivals.
“It doesn’t really matter who it is,” mentioned Abrams. “It’s just good for the confidence, get things going. It’s good for the team as well. We’re winning, so let’s keep going.”
On Sunday afternoon, Abrams belted the go-ahead homer within the seventh inning to raise the Nationals over the Mets, 3-2. The matinee was the continuation of Saturday’s suspended contest (because of inclement climate) and was Game 1 of a cut up doubleheader.
Abrams hammered a cutter from right-hander Dominic Leone a Statcast-projected 411 toes to middle subject to interrupt the 2-2 tie. It was Abrams’ first house run since April 27 at Citi Field, when he pummeled his first profession grand slam.
“I thought it had a chance, for sure,” Abrams mentioned.
Manager Dave Martinez mentioned Abrams has been working with hitting coach Darnell Coles to maintain his swing extra flat by way of the zone. Abrams famous he additionally has been specializing in stride path. He completed Game 1 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored, and he added to his day with one other 2-for-4, two-RBI efficiency in Washington’s 8-2 loss in Game 2.
“[I’m] keeping it simple, hitting my pitch, not getting myself out,” mentioned Abrams. “The biggest thing is probably just swinging at strikes.”
Of his three house runs this season, all have come within the seventh inning or later. His first homer of 2023 was hit within the seventh body on April 22 in Minnesota; the go-ahead grand slam in Queens got here within the eighth.
“He doesn’t panic,” mentioned Martinez. “He is who he is. He goes up there and he was on time. I watched him, he got back early, he stayed in his legs and he got the bat through the zone really quick. When he can do that, you see that. Nothing seems to rattle him. There are some guys that have the knack to want to hit on base; he’s been pretty good at that thus far.”
Abrams entered the day batting .350 when the sport is late and shut, .350 in a tie recreation and .343 in high-leverage conditions. Delivering in these clutch conditions is a key facet within the growth of the 22-year-old who’s poised to be a part of the Nationals’ long-term future.
“When it’s time, I can step up,” Abrams mentioned. “I’ve got confidence in myself and in my team. So we’re doing good.”
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