WASHINGTON (AP) — James Wood got the Washington Nationals off to a powerful start with his leadoff home run Wednesday.
The blast over the wall in right-center field registered at 116.3 mph, the hardest of Wood's career and the hardest hit home run by a Nationals player at Nationals Park in the Statcast era (since 2015). That ignited a three-run inning that helped the Nationals beat the Orioles 4-3.
“He crushed that ball,” manager Dave Martinez said.
Wood’s eighth homer of the season traveled 431 feet. He said he couldn't really explain how it felt to hit a ball that hard, this one coming on Orioles starter Tomoyuki Sugaro’s fifth pitch, a 90.6 mph offering.
“It was a tough pitch,” Wood said. “It’s firm so it comes out (looking) more like a heater than most splitters, but I think the goal was just to stay on the fastball. Just be real picky with the off-speed that you swing at.”
It was Wood's second leadoff homer of the season. He had one off Mitch Keller on April 15 at Pittsburgh.
“What he’s been doing is special," Nationals starter Trevor Williams said. "He’s a young kid that is mentally older than he is. He’s going to be a great ballplayer for a long time and I’m thankful that I get to be a teammate with him for how many years."
CJ Abrams, the leadoff hitter at the beginning of the season, is out with a right hip flexor strain.
“If CJ can get on for James, that’s pretty nice,” Martinez said. “When (CJ) gets going, which he will, those two guys at the top of the order will be pretty good.”
Washington Nationals' James Wood, right, celebrates with Luis Garcia Jr. (2) after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Roman Josi scored a goal and added two assists to lead the Nashville Predators to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday night.
Steven Stamkos had a goal and an assist, Cole Smith also scored, and Justus Annunen made 28 saves for the Predators, winners of two of three.
Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist, Ethen Frank also scored, and Charlie Lindgren made 18 saves for Washington, losers of two of three.
Annunen, who earlier in the week signed a two-year extension with the Predators, has won three consecutive decisions.
Ovechkin scored the game’s first goal at 5:56 of the opening period.
With the Capitals on a two-man advantage, John Carlson sent a pass to Ovechkin at the left faceoff dot, where he beat Annunen with a one-timer for his 20th of the season, the 21st consecutive season he’s scored at least 20.
Entering Sunday, neither team had not scored on the power play in their previous four games, but both connected twice on the man-advantage.
Stamkos tied the game 1-1 at 13:15 of the first, also on the power play.
The goal was the 601st of Stamkos’ career, third among active players, trailing just Ovechkin, with an NHL-record 917, and Sidney Crosby (649).
Smith gave Nashville a 2-1 lead at 1:12 of the third, beating Lindgren high to the stick side from the low slot.
Josi followed at 3:29 of the third, connecting on a one-timer from the top of the right circle with the Predators on a 5-on-3 of their own.
Frank closed the Washington deficit to one at 9:03 of the third, also on a power play.
Capitals forward Justin Sourdif was struck in the face by a puck early in the second period and did not return.
Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.
Predators host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) waits for the puck to be dropped during a face-off in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, right, celebrates with Justin Sourdif (34) after scoring against the Nashville Predators during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) is congratulated after scoring against the Washington Capitals during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) flips over Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (79) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
