By Mmesoma 
Detroit, MI — July 4, 2025 — James Wood put on an offensive clinic Thursday night, delivering a career-high five hits, including his 23rd home run of the season, as the Washington Nationals powered their way to an 11–7 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
The 22-year-old outfielder was locked in from his first at-bat, going 5-for-6 with three RBIs and two runs scored, anchoring a red-hot Nationals offense that tallied 15 hits on the night.
“Everything just felt right,” Wood said postgame. “I wasn’t thinking too much — just seeing the ball and reacting. Nights like this don’t come around often, so I just tried to stay locked in.”
💥 Wood Ignites the Fireworks Early
Wood wasted no time setting the tone, lining a single in the first inning and then launching a two-run homer to deep center in the third, giving the Nationals an early cushion. The homer marked his 23rd of the season, tying him for 4th in the National League.
“He’s been getting better with every series,” said Nationals manager Dave Martinez. “Tonight was just another level. He’s not just hitting — he’s hitting with power, with purpose.”
⚾ Nats Offense Rolls, Tigers Fight Back
The Nationals built a 9–2 lead by the sixth inning, but the Tigers mounted a brief comeback behind homers from Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter, cutting the deficit to 9–6. Still, Washington’s bullpen held on, and Wood’s final single in the ninth helped spark an insurance rally that put the game out of reach.
CJ Abrams and Luis García Jr. added two hits apiece for Washington, while Jake Irvin earned the win after pitching five solid innings despite some turbulence in the middle frames.
🔥 Wood’s Breakout Season Continues
Wood’s five-hit night is just the latest highlight in what has been a breakout sophomore campaign. The towering slugger has not only become a fixture in the Nationals’ lineup but is increasingly seen as a cornerstone for the team’s future.
“He’s a problem — in the best way,” joked Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda, who gave up the home run. “He’s got power, patience, and he’s figuring it out fast.”
With the win, the Nationals improve to 45–39, staying in the thick of the NL Wild Card race, while the Tigers drop to 39–44, continuing to search for consistency on the mound.