The start of Josh Bell’s first season with the Washington Nationals has been a struggle. After being held out the first week of the season due COVID-19 protocols, Bell has been unable to find his groove particularly at the plate.
He entered Tuesday with just three hits in 25 at-bats. His .120 batting average has been an eyesore, highlighting the stalled start for the Nationals.
However against the St. Louis Cardinals, Josh Bell finally had a breakthrough, hitting his first home run in a Nationals uniform.
Bell got on top of a first-pitch curveball from Adam Wainwright, sending it over the right field wall.
The blast broke a scoreless tie in the sixth inning. But he wasn’t the only contribution Bell provided. He also flashed his glove earlier in the game.
Bell tracked down a fouled pop up before making a great diving catch to record the out.
The Nationals would go on to win the game 3-2, improving to 6-8 on the season. Bell’s home run was great timing, as lethal hitter Juan Soto did not play. Soto was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder strain prior to the start of the game.
Surely, the Nationals are hoping Tuesday’s big swing is just the start of Bell powering through. Washington acquired Bell in a Christmas Eve trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His addition will hopefully plug Washington’s need for more power surrounding Soto and star shortstop Trea Turner.
