SAN FRANCISCO – Three key elements have propelled the Nationals to where they are so far in 2026, two games above .500 and showing promise under first-year manager Blake Butera: The Majors’ most productive offense, a knack for first-inning runs and a stellar record in road games. True to form, Washington needed only 11 pitches to jump out to a quick lead in Tuesday’s 6-3 win over the Giants. James Wood's simmering single to left field, followed by Luis García Jr.’s laser of a home run over the right-field fence ambushed Adrian Houser and tallied the Nats’ 52nd and 53rd first-inning runs, tops in the Majors. What’s behind that first-inning magic? García attributed some of it to Wood’s ability to get on base at the leadoff spot. To that end, Wood’s on-base percentage is .407, 53 points higher than his career high (.354 in his rookie year in 2024). “It's really important to happen in that spot leading off, and especially that I bat right behind him,” said García through interpreter Mauricio Ortiz. “It gives me an opportunity to drive in more runs, and having him also get to first, you also have the ability for him to steal second.” On the mound, lefty Andrew Alvarez came out of the gate hot, striking out the side in the first, but he walked a career-high five and allowed three extra-base hits in his four full frames. Despite that heavy traffic, Alvarez weaved his way out of trouble, with the Giants going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and stranding six through the third.
