clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Michael Taylor's home run all Nationals need in 6-1 win over Brewers

Michael Taylor hit his third home run in the last three games to get the Washington Nationals out to a 2-0 lead early and they went on to beat the Milwaukee Brewers, 6-1, setting up a rubber match in the nation's capital on Sunday.

By Patrick Reddington
Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Wilson Ramos kept the bottom of the second inning alive with a two-out double to left field on a hanging curve from Milwaukee Brewers' starter Taylor Jungmann. Michael Taylor stepped in next and put the Washington Nationals up 2-0 with a two-run home run on a 92 mph 2-1 fastball up high inside that he drove out to right.

The opposite field blast was the 24-year-old rookie outfielder's 13th home run of the season and his third in the last three games.

"It's telling that he hit the homer the other way, to right-center field. That means he's on the baseball." -Matt Williams on Michael A. Taylor's 2 for 3 night vs MIL

Taylor went 2 for 3 with a walk and two runs scored in the Nationals' 6-1 win over the Brewers, leaving him with a .244/.290/.396 line on the year.

The home run with Ramos on second was the '09 Nationals' sixth-round pick's 29th hit in 81 at bats with runners in scoring position this season (.358 AVG).

Nats' skipper Matt Williams talked after the win about Taylor's ability to come through with runners in scoring position and produce at the bottom of the order.

"He's comfortable there," Williams said. "He's been great for us in RBI situations this year and he'll get opportunities down there, in that regard. So, another good swing.

"It's telling that he hit the homer the other way, to right-center field. That means he's on the baseball. Base hit back through the middle, those are really good signs for him, because if he stays on the ball, then it's powerful."

"Just trying to be more consistent in making contact instead of trying to crush baseballs." -Michael Taylor on recent run of success at the plate.

Taylor talked to reporters about his approach at the plate in the last few games resulting in more contact.

"Mentally, I'm just trying to kind of tone things down a little bit at the plate," Taylor said.

"Just trying to be more consistent in making contact instead of trying to crush baseballs."

While focusing on just making contact, Taylor has, of course, started hitting baseballs out of the yard.

"It's funny how that works, I guess," he said.

As for his approach with runners in scoring position? Does it change?

Joe Ross dominant in the nation's capital

 Photo © Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

"Same thing," Taylor said. "Just try to stay quiet and don't let things speed up and just go up there and have a good at bat instead of trying to hunt for the results."

Whatever he's doing, it's worked in the last few games, and Taylor said what matters to him is that he's able to help the Nationals continue to fight to stay alive with the end of the season approaching quickly.

"I'm just happy to be here right now," he said, "and hopefully I can help the team win some ballgames and get back in this race."

More From Federal Baseball