Ritchie Homers on First Pitch, Nats Fall to Braves

On April 24, James Wood wasted no time welcoming Braves' prospect JR Richie to the majors, smashing a 93.5 mile per hour fastball.

For a lead-off homer on the guy's first big league pitch. That blast marked Wood's second lead-off homer this season, his tent overall to lead the National League, and his third straight game with a long ball.

Kade Cavali delivered what might be his best start of the year for the Nationals, going five innings against the NL East, leading Braves, allowing.

Just two runs on his fastball and curve combo. Racking up a career high 10 strikeouts was zero walks.

Cavali's been the opening day guy they pinned hopes on after a lights out spring, but early season control woes kept him from his peak.

Manager Blake Boutera called it a huge step, saying Cavali attacked hitters like the ace they drafted him to be back in round one of 2020.

Things unraveled in the seventh when relievers, CNL Perez and Gus Barlin couldn't hold a two-two tie, surrendering four runs in four pitches, including a wild pitch, a two-run single, and an RBI double.

Richie bounced back strong in his debut, tossing seven innings of two-run ball to shut down the nats.

Nationals scraped together, just CJ Abrams solo Homer, and a couple hits from Dailin Lyle, but base running gaps and no rallies sealed the seven two.

Loss, leaving fans hoping Cavali builds on this while the bullpen finds his groove. From your team, powered by AI, this is Washington Nationals News today.