Hernandez 5 RBIs, Soto 3 hits, Gray excels, Nats top Giants
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) â Yadiel Hernandez drove in a career-high five runs with three hits as the Washington Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 11-5 on Sunday.
Juan Soto also had three hits and scored three times for the Nationals. Washingtonâs Lucius Fox got his first two hits in the majors after beginning his career 0 for 20.
The Nationals had lost eight straight and were struggling offensively before taking two of three at Oracle Park while scoring 29 runs.
âThe biggest thing is pitch selection,â Hernandez said through an interpreter. âWe had a meeting as a team that we were swinging at very bad pitches in general. The team focused more this weekend and we had better pitch selection and the results were there.â
Josiah Gray (3-2) allowed one hit in six innings, working around four walks while striking out three. The right-hander, part of the trade that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Dodgers at the deadline last season, didnât allow a hit until Jason Krizanâs two-out single in the fifth.
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âEvery time heâs out there heâs getting better, heâs getting a little bit more confidence,â Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. âYouâre only seeing the beginning of what he really can do.â
Hernandez, who had seven RBIs through Washingtonâs first 23 games, hit a two-run single in the first inning when the Nationals scored five runs â four unearned â and took advantage of a costly error and Alex Cobbâs wildness.
After the Giants scored five times off Washingtonâs bullpen in the seventh to cut the Nationals lead to 8-5, Hernandez lined a three-run double off Jake McGee in the eighth.
âIt could have been just been one run, two runs,â Hernandez said. âIt gave us momentum on our side and we were able to exhale a little bit after that.â
Cobb (1-1), who was activated off the injured list before the game, couldnât get on track. He allowed Hernandezâs single, walked three of the next five and was called for a balk with the bases loaded.
Mike Ford, claimed by the Giants off waivers Saturday after being designated for assignment by the Mariners, had a two-run single in the seventh.
FOXâS MOMENT
Foxâs big day came fittingly at San Franciscoâs waterfront ballpark. The switch-hitting shortstop was originally signed by the Giants as an international free agent in 2015 and was given a $6 million bonus.
âThis is where it all started,â Fox said. âSigning day I came and watched the Giants play (here). To actually get that first hit in the Giants stadium is special. I had that feeling in my mind that I was going to do something special today.â
MAKING MEMORIES
Krizanâs single off Gray was the first of his career and came in front of his wife and young child, who were in the stands. The rookie outfielder was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas when the Giants placed first baseman Brandon Belt on the COVID-19 list.
GLOVE WORK
Nationals third baseman Maikel Franco took a hit away from Wilmer Flores in the first inning when he chased a grounder into foul territory, leaped and made a strong throw back across his body to first baseman Josh Bell.
TRAINERâS ROOM
Nationals: Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross will both face hitters this week at the teamâs facilities in West Palm Beach, Florida, an important step in the rehabilitation for both right-handers. Strasburg, who has made seven starts since signing a $245 million, seven-year contract after being the World Series MVP in 2019, is trying to work his way back from thoracic outlet surgery. Ross underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow in March.
Giants: Cobb missed 12 games with an adductor strain. RHP Kervin Castro was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to make room.
UP NEXT
Nationals: RHP Erick Fedde (1-2, 6.00 ERA) starts against the Rockies for the first time since 2018 in the opener of a three-game series in Colorado on Tuesday.
Giants: Carlos RodoÌn (3-0, 1.17) faces the Dodgers and Julio UriÌas (1-1, 2.50) in a matchup of left-handers Tuesday in Los Angeles.
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