Ailing Suzuki delivers big swing as Nats near title

HOUSTON (AP) — Kurt Suzuki is beat up physically, with a sore back and other ailments after grinding behind the plate from spring training through late October.

All of that would be worthwhile for the 36-year-old Washington Nationals catcher to finally get a World Series ring.

"I've waited 13 seasons for this, for this moment to be able to play in the World Series," Suzuki said. "I kind of joked around with a lot of guys in the training room the other day, 'Man, I've got energy now' ... It kind of pumps you up, especially waiting how long I did."

Suzuki believes pitching and defense ultimately win championships, and he certainly has done his part in the squat. In Game 2, he added his first RBI this postseason, a tiebreaking solo homer off Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander to spark a bat-around seventh inning.

"I can't remember the last time I barreled a ball up like that," Suzuki said with a smile, his two young sons sitting in his lap. "Felt like months ago. Probably was months ago."

The Nationals went on to a 12-3 win Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead before even playing their first World Series game at Nationals Park. Game 3 is there Friday night.

"His homer was awesome," said third baseman Anthony Rendon.

Before becoming the first Hawaiian-born player to hit a home run in the World Series, Suzuki had already saved a run with a big defensive play after the Nationals went ahead 2-0 in the first inning.

Jose Altuve had a one-out double in the Astros' first, and then took off for third on an attempted steal with the Washington infield shifted a bit. Suzuki made a perfect throw to a moving Rendon for the tag. Michael Brantley then had a two-out single before Alex Bregman tied the game with two-run homer.

"I don't really get surprised when people try to run on me...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Ailing-Suzuki-delivers-big-swing-as-Nats-near-14558280.php