Going into Wednesday’s matchup with the Blue Jays in the nation’s capital, Josh Bell was in a bit of an August slump, having gone just 11 for 54 (.204/.279/.352), with two doubles, two home runs, six walks, and eight Ks in 15 games on the month.
With the bases empty following a three-run home run by Juan Soto, Bell sent a fly to left in his first at bat against Toronto starter José Berríos. With Soto on after a walk in the bottom of the third, Bell grounded into an inning-ending double play, 0 for 2.
When Soto took a two-out walk in the home-half of the fifth, Bell sent a fly to center to end the frame, but in the bottom of the seventh, Alcides Escobar singled, Soto walked in a third consecutive plate appearance, and Bell stepped in against left-hander Brad Hand and sent his 20th home run of the season out to right, putting the Nationals ahead 7-5 in what was an 8-5 win in the end.