Recap: Juan Soto Comes Up Clutch For Nationals Opening Day Win
Washington Nationals fans had to wait a little longer to experience Nationals opening day in 2021. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Nationals scheduled opening series versus the New York Mets was cancelled. The Nationals opened up the 2021 season today at Nationals Park against the division rival Atlanta Braves.
Max Scherzer had the start making his franchise record 6th opening day start. Scherzer struggled early on giving up four solo home runs. Giving up two to Ronald Acuna Jr. and solo shots to Dansby Swanson and Freddie Freeman. Scherzer returned to form after and finished his day going six innings with nine strikeouts. The Braves tacked on a later run in the 7th.
The Nationals offense scoring started in the second inning with newly acquired catcher Jonathan Lucroy, doubling down the left field line, bringing home Hernan Perez and Andrew Stevenson. Nationals later sparked up the offense in the eight inning with the face of the franchise Ryan Zimmerman, singling. The Nationals loaded the bases thanks to a single from Starlin Castro and a walk by Hernan Perez. Andrew Stevenson came up clutch with an infield base hit, bringing home Luis Garcia who pinch ran for Zimmerman. The game was decided by Juan Soto coming up with the game winning walk off single in the 9th.
The Nationals will continue their season Wednesday, 4/7/21 to finish up the series with a double header against the Braves with game one scheduled at 12:05PM. And game 2 scheduled at 4:10PM. Making up for the first game being postponed due to Covid-19.
