SEATTLE – Wednesday night was a bright spot for the Nationals as Josh Bell delivered an impressive performance, marking the first three-hit game of his season in a 9-0 victory over the Mariners. Coming into the game with a dismal .151 batting average and a .289 slugging percentage, Bell showed signs of life, hitting an opposite-field homer in the second inning, along with two singles and a run scored later in the game.
Nationals manager Davey Martinez expressed his support for the 32-year-old designated hitter, noting, “You can’t help but root for Josh Bell. The guys love him. We love him.” Martinez highlighted the importance of Bell’s ability to hit to the opposite field, hoping for him to maintain this momentum moving forward.
Historically, Bell has started the season slowly, with his career OPS in April standing at a mere .692—the lowest of any month. Nevertheless, he often rebounds in May with a stronger performance, showing a career OPS of .820 during that month. The clock is ticking as the end of April approaches, with fans and teammates alike eager for Bell to establish consistency in his play.
Martinez emphasized that Bell should resist the urge to alter his swing too drastically. “One, he doesn’t have to try to lift the ball in the air… It’s all about consistency now. If he can continue with that approach, good things are going to happen,” Martinez said.
In an amusing side note, while the Mariners prepped for the game, the Nationals’ bullpen was filled with the unusual sounds of a saxophone being played. The source was Nationals reliever Jose A. Ferrer, who is self-teaching himself the instrument. Inspired by a song he encountered in the Dominican Republic, Ferrer bought a saxophone three weeks ago and turned to YouTube for lessons. Despite his comedic struggles, including practicing with an upside-down mouthpiece, Ferrer has been committed to improving, dedicating 6-7 hours to practice so far.
Martinez humorously remarked on Ferrer’s saxophone efforts, saying, “He’s not quite Kenny G yet, but he’ll get it.” Ferrer remains hopeful about mastering the instrument, stating that with continued practice—particularly in the offseason—he aims for improvement by spring training.
This blend of sporting prowess and off-field creativity highlights the uplifting spirit within the Nationals organization. As players like Bell strive for success on the field and Ferrer cultivates a new skill, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the team’s culture.