The banged up and struggling Washington Nationals found Gerardo Parra off the scrapheap when they signed him last week. With injuries across their infield, Washington needed a bat, any bat. Thursday the gamble paid off a huge way, as the Nationals topped the New York Mets 7-6.
Parra busted out his bat, as he went a perfect 3-for-3 with one walk in four plate appearances, driving in three runs in the process.
His RBI-double in his first at-bat was part of a four-run first inning for the Nationals. He then contributed to each of the Nationals’ next three runs.
He crushed a two-run home run in the fifth that broke open a 4-4 tie.
He then scored off a Kurt Suzuki RBI-single in the seventh that extended Washington’s lead to 7-4 after he drew a two-out walk, and stole second base.
Parra spearheaded a great day at the plate for the bottom of the Nationals’ order. While the top of the order compiling of Adam Eaton, Victor Robles, Anthony Rendon, and Juan Soto combined to go 3-for-19 with one RBI, hitters 5-8 collected seven hits, including Suzuki’s 3-for-4 performance, five RBIs and four runs scored.
It’s a small sample size, however, Parra is now hitting .214/.293/.350 with two home runs, two doubles, and seven RBIs in 19 plate appearances since joining the Nationals on May 9. He hit .198/.278/.267 with one home run, three doubles, and six RBIs in 97 plate appearances with San Francisco, who released him on May 3.
His ability to make timely hits will go a long way for the Nationals, especially at the bottom of the order. Washington is still without Ryan Zimmerman, Trea Turner, and Matt Adams, leaving a huge void in what would be a potent lineup healthy.
Parra is showing he can pack power and get streaky with the bat and at the very least be productive.
With the win, the Nationals collected their first series win since taking two-of-three from the Giants on Apr. 16-18. Washington has now won four of their last seven.
