Wood's Grand Slam
Washington Nationals Secure 12-11 Victory Over Astros Behind James Wood's Grand Slam
James Wood hit a grand slam in the fifth inning, and the Washington Nationals rallied from a five-run deficit to beat the Houston Astros 12-11 on Tuesday, according to AP News. The win opened a three-game series between the two clubs.
The Nationals trailed badly before exploding for big runs in the middle innings. Despite a four-run Houston comeback in the eighth inning, Washington held on for the one-run victory, Newsday reported.
Wood's Grand Slam Flips a Five-Run Deficit
Washington fell behind by five runs before James Wood changed the game. Wood's grand slam in the fifth inning gave the Nationals the momentum they needed. A grand slam scores four runs at once, making it one of baseball's most powerful plays.
Wood also had three hits on the night. His big swing was the turning point in what became a wild, high-scoring game, according to Bakersfield.com.
Abrams and Mead Each Homer and Drive In Three
James Wood was not alone in the offensive explosion. J. Abrams and Curtis Mead each hit a home run and drove in three runs, according to AP News. Both players also had three-hit games, giving Washington a deep and dangerous lineup on the night.
The Nationals piled up hits all evening. That kind of production up and down the lineup made it hard for Houston's pitching staff to stop the bleeding, Daily Gazette noted.
Houston's Eighth-Inning Surge Falls Just Short
The Astros did not go quietly. Houston scored four runs in the eighth inning to close the gap and make it a one-run game. That late push turned a comfortable Washington lead into a nail-biter.
Washington's bullpen had to get the final outs under heavy pressure. The Nationals managed to hold on at 12-11, ending a dramatic back-and-forth contest, according to Lufkin Daily News.
Cavalli Suspension Cut From Seven Games to Five
Off the field, Washington got some good news as well. Major League Baseball reduced the suspension of Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli from seven games down to five, according to Winnipeg Free Press.
The reduction means Cavalli will return to the team sooner than expected. Washington will need all the pitching help it can get as the three-game series against Houston continues, Yahoo Sports reported.
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