Marlins' Stanton blasts his first home run of spring training
JUPITER, Fla. -- Fans in attendance for Wednesday afternoon's Grapefruit League game between the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals were treated to a familiar sight.
All-Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton rounded the bases after blasting his first home run of the spring off right-hander Casey Janssen to lead off the sixth inning at Roger Dean Stadium.
"It doesn't really matter," Stanton said. "I made good contact. I made good enough contact before for it to go. Tied up the game. That's all that matters."
Added manager Mike Redmond following the 5-4 victory: "I'm sure he's excited. I know he'd probably downplay it, but I talked to him today, talked about how he feels. And he looks great, he looks confident. His swing looks good. Keep plugging him in there, get him other at-bats. He looks good at the plate."
Stanton, who paced the National League with 37 homers in 2014, last hit one Sept. 8, three days before a pitch to the face prematurely ended his MVP-caliber season.
Wednesday's 1-0 swing evened the game at 3 and came on his 21st at-bat (24th plate appearance) of the spring.
"I knew it was gone," Redmond said. "I've seen that one before. His BPs have been really good. We were talking about it the last couple of days. 'It looks like it's just a matter of time,' and today was the day."
His three hits Wednesday sprayed all parts of the field. The homer cleared the right-field wall, and his first-inning double landed in left and his third-inning RBI single went up the middle.
"Today was a good day, obviously, in terms of timing and barrel placement," Stanton said. "It's where I want it to be."
Prior to his 3-for-3 performance, Stanton was batting .167 (3 for 18) with a double, four RBI, three walks and five strikeouts.
"I'm fine with them," Stanton said of his at-bats. "A little quick (with) my front shoulder lately, but I'm seeing it well, and that's what's made me miss a few pitches over the plate. But I've been fine."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
