Adam Eaton was back in the #Nats lineup for less than an inning and he's already…
Hit a leadoff single.
Gone first-to-third on a hit.
Scored a run. pic.twitter.com/Q4Qdk1JFPo— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 30, 2018
Adam Eaton’s first MLB game since Apr. 28, 2017 got off on the right foot. The Washington Nationals’ center-fielder lead off the game with a single. A Bryce Harper single moved Eaton to third and one batter Eaton scored on a fielder’s choice off a grounder by Ryan Zimmerman.
The hit and run by Eaton was the Nationals’ first of the season, as Washington opened the 2018 season at the Cincinnati Reds. First-year manager Dave Martinez opted to bat Eaton lead-off over the speedy Trea Turner. At least one go-around proved his decision to be wise.
For Eaton the start will certainly ease any tension and nerves. He missed 139 games after tearing his ACL in his left knee while reaching first base. Although the Nationals went on to win the NL East division title, losing Eaton’s bat and speed put a strain at the top of the order.
His ability to get on base and create runs was on full display in Friday’s season opener in his first at-bat.
