After tearing up the Minors, it was solely a matter of time earlier than Nationals phenom James Wooden linked on his first homer — and positive sufficient, MLB’s No. 2 prospect obtained on the board on Saturday in his sixth Main League sport.
Wooden’s first homer was an opposite-field three-run shot off Cardinals veteran Lance Lynn that prolonged Washington’s result in 7-0 within the second inning. Wooden had been 5-for-19 with 4 walks coming into the at-bat; the homer can be his first extra-base hit within the Majors.
The Maryland native’s show of energy didn’t cease there. In his third plate look of the day, the left-handed batter’s persistence on the plate paid dividends. He was capable of join with the seventh pitch from Lynn throughout an extended at-bat, a 94.6 mph fastball, and drove the ball into left area — with an exit velocity of 104.2 mph — precisely 50 ft in need of the place he despatched his homer only one body earlier. His first profession double introduced in CJ Abrams and Trey Lipscomb within the third inning.
He’s the third participant age 21 or youthful (on the time of the sport) in Nats/Expos franchise historical past with one homer, a double and 5 RBIs in a sport. He joins Victor Robles (Sept. 26, 2018) and Ryan Zimmerman (Aug. 18, 2006). Wooden additionally joins the Giants’ Luis Matos, who completed the same feat (six RBIs) on Might 18.
Earlier than his callup, Wooden, 21, had hit .353 with 10 homers and 37 RBIs in 52 video games for Triple-A Rochester this season. Wooden hit a mixed 26 homers throughout two Minor League ranges in 2023.