James Wood had an impressive performance during his first game at Camden Yards, where he had his second four-hit game in less than three weeks. However, the spotlight was mostly on Andrés Chaparro, who doubled three times in his major league debut, leading the Washington Nationals to a 9-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Chaparro’s feat made him only the fourth player in MLB history to achieve at least three doubles in their debut game, with the last player being Nick Evans in 2008.
Manager Dave Martinez jokingly responded with “Who?” when asked about Wood’s standout night, as Chaparro’s remarkable debut stole the show. The Nationals acquired Chaparro from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade last month. The 25-year-old had his family present at the game, including his parents, two brothers, a sister-in-law, and his wife, which made the occasion even more special for him.
Chaparro’s impactful doubles in the game drove Wood home multiple times, contributing significantly to the Nationals’ lead. Wood, a native of Rockville, Maryland, also had a notable performance, being on base for all of Chaparro’s doubles. Despite being caught in a rundown, Wood managed to help his teammate Juan Yepez score a run in a strategic play.
Wood, who made his MLB debut on July 1, expressed his approach to the game, stating that he was focused on hitting good pitches and anticipating the pitches effectively. His familiarity with the ballpark, having visited Camden Yards while growing up, added a sentimental touch to his remarkable performance.
Both Wood and Baltimore’s rookie second baseman, Jackson Holliday, showcased their talents during the game, impressing with their skills on the field. The game marked a memorable night for Chaparro, Wood, and both teams as they battled it out at Camden Yards.