The Washington Nationals had to wait through four postponed games due to COVID-19 issues, but they opened their season with a curly W in dramatic fashion.
Facing a 3-0 count with two runners on base in the ninth of a 5-5 tie game, Juan Soto didn’t hesitate to swing. Given the green light, Soto ripped a liner off Atlanta Braves reliever Will Smith to deep center for the walk-off RBI single.
Soto’s clutch hit scored Victor Robles from second. It completed the Nationals’ rally after they fell behind into an early 3-0 deficit.
When asked if he considered to taking a pitch with a 3-0 count, Soto replied “Hell no,” during the MASN postgame broadcast.
It’s no surprise the 22-year old was given the green light to swing. He is reigning National League batting champion. He is also one of the more clutch hitters in all of baseball.
The walk-off single was Soto’s only hit in five at-bats. Which considering all, is amazing he had the confidence to swing at a 3-0 fastball.
Washington overcame a sluggish start from starter Max Scherzer, who yielded four home runs in the outing. The club was also without 10 key players amid their coronavirus outbreak including starters Kyle Schwarber, Josh Harrison and Josh Bell among others.
