Zimmerman full circle with HR trot for Nats in World Series

HOUSTON (AP) — Ryan Zimmerman has come full circle, with a trot around the bases for the Washington Nationals.

The first amateur player ever drafted by the Nationals in 2005, and the only person to wear their jersey during all 15 seasons the team has existed, Zimmerman hit their first World Series home run.

"First at-bat, to hit a home run and run around the bases, you're kind of almost floating around the bases," Zimmerman said. "To be able to do that is obviously what you work for. Not only you sacrifice for, but I think what your family sacrifices for. That's why you play the game, to play on the biggest stage."

With his deep blast to center field with two outs in the second inning Tuesday night — Houston Astros starter Gerrit Cole immediately threw his right arm up knowing the ball was long gone — the 35-year-old Zimmerman also scored the team's first-ever run in the World Series.

"I'll be honest with you, my eyes got a little watery for him," manager Dave Martinez said. "He waited a long time to be in this position, and for him to hit that first home run and put us on the board was awesome."

Said reliever Tanner Rainey: "He is Mr. National."

Washington still trailed after Zimmerman homered but 20-year-old Juan Soto tied the game with an impressive homer of his own leading off the fourth and added a two-run double an inning later and the Nationals held on for a 5-4 victory.

The only players older than Zimmerman to homer in their first World Series plate appearances were a 38-year-old Barry Bonds in 2002 and Bob Watson in 1981, when he was also 35 but still nearly six months older than Zimmerman is now.

Washington became the first team ever with a homer by a player 35 or older and a player 20 or younger in the same World Series game.

Even after being limited...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Zimmerman-full-circle-with-HR-trot-for-Nats-in-14555110.php