Adams slams two homers in Nats big offensive night over Bucs

Most of the buzz with the Nationals' lineup change Tuesday was centered around Bryce Harper batting first. He came through with a dramatic three-run shot.

Adams-Runs-Blue-Sidebar.jpgBut Matt Adams had one of his biggest nights offensively with his new team, going 3-for-4 with two homers, three runs and three RBIs. It was the sixth multi-home run game of his career.

Ironically, the last time he pulled off the feat of two homers in a game was against the Nationals on June 12, 2017, as a member of the Braves in a 11-10 Atlanta win.

Adams had hit third just one time this season prior to being placed in that spot for Tuesday's game two. Tuesday was also only his 16th start in the No. 3 hole in his career.

"I'm happy with whatever role they want me to do," Adams said. "That's kind of the way I've been from day one up here. This team is capable of a lot of stuff so for them to think that I can have a role in it that means a lot to me. So, I want to go out there every day and give it my best out there."

Adams hit solo homers in the fourth and fifth innings. He then dropped in an RBI single in the sixth. Normally a pull side hitter, one of his homers was to left-center. Is that a good sign that he is able to use his swing strength to all fields?

"I think it just tells me that I'm connected," Adams said. "I'm not trying to do too much with it. I'm seeing the ball where its pitched and putting a good swing on it. It feels good because everybody thinks I'm just a pull hitter. For me to be going this good and seeing the ball good it feels pretty good."

Adams has hit .529 (9-for-17) it his last five games, with one double, three homers and nine RBIs.

"We always knew he could hit right-handed pitching," said manager Davey Martinez. "Since we got him, he's an everyday player. We're fortunate to have him. We'll try to find as much playing time as we can, but he hits righties really well."

The experiment of Harper leading off, Trea Turner batting second and Adams third paid huge dividends in its debut. The trio combined for five hits, five runs, a double, three homers, nine RBIs in Tuesday's 12-4 rout of the Pirates.

Martinez sounded like he would run this lineup out at least a few more times, especially against right-handed hitters.

"We'll let it ride for a couple days, see what happens," Martinez said. "We'll see what happens."

There was some concern for Adams' ability defensively in left field. But if he can hit like this, they will put him out there. Now it is up to him to hold his own on defense after playing so much first base in his career.

Adams said first base coach Tim Bogar, and especially third base coach and outfield instructor Bobby Henley, have worked overtime with him on his outfield defense.

"I was talking to Bogie and Hen about it today, the drills that I'm doing with Hen," Adams said. "Just getting out there and seeing balls off the bat. It kind of gives me a comfort level and each time out there it's been better and better."

The best compliment of the night regarding Adams came from his right fielder Harper who contends the newcomer needs all the playing time against right-handers.

"He's a guy who deserves to be in the lineup," Harper said. "He has great at-bats for us. He does things in that batter's box that not many guys can do. That showed tonight. He has great at-bats. He squared some pitches up tonight. Two homers, three RBIs -- what can you say? He's been great for us all year long, and he just keeps getting better."




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