Game 48: Soto Homers in Return to D.C.

Juan Soto returned for to D.C. for the 2nd time since being dealt last August. The Padres defeated the Nats 7-4 to open up the 3 game series as Soto homered and had three hits on the evening. Mark & Al discuss the warm reception by the crowd towards Soto and how his exit still feels fresh; unlike other former Washington stars that are playing elsewhere.

(8:50) MacKenzie Gore, part of last year's big trade, struggled against Soto and the San Diego lineup as he did not last five innings in the no decision. Gore threw a 99 MPH fastball to begin the game against his former team, but did issue four walks on the evening. Gore threw 103 pitches; which matches his pattern of high pitch counts so far this season.

(19:00) CJ Abrams, another player involved in the Soto trade, slugged his 5th homer of the season that brought the Nats back into the game.

(22:10) Davey Martinez gave the ball to Erasmo Ramirez instead of Mason Thompson with the game tied. It did not work out well as Ramirez allowed four runs and Mark explains what went into the decision. Chad Kuhl later came in for mop up duty, his first action since returning from the IL.

(30:00) Encouraging news from the Farm as Cole Henry will be promoted from Fredericksburg to Wilmington for his next start. Henry is trying to return from TOS, a similar operation that Stephen Strasburg had done.