Upton continues to flash power at Petco
Right fielder has 8 homers at home in first season as Padre
SAN DIEGO -- It was at his introductory press conference at Petco Park in January when outfielder Justin Upton was asked about how his game might translate to pitching-friendly Petco Park.
He smiled.
"Everyone says it's big, but I don't think so," Upton said. "I think it plays pretty fair. I've enjoyed quite a bit of success here. I enjoy playing here. I think the park is great."
His opinion hasn't changed, which makes sense after he hit two home runs Sunday, giving him eight this season in his new ballpark.
The first home run came in the third inning off Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg. The last one came in the eighth inning off reliever Tanner Roark. The Nationals topped the Padres, 10-5.
Video: WSH@SD: Upton hits a solo homer to left in the 3rd
The display of power wasn't surprising to Nationals manager Matt Williams, who was part of the D-backs coaching staff when Upton played in Arizona.
"A dynamic player. Does a lot of things right," Williams said. "Stras missed with a fastball kinda up and in for the homer. Tanner did as well. You make a mistake to a guy with power like that, sometimes you can pay."
In 20 games and 72 at-bats at Petco Park this season, Upton is hitting .375/.425/.764 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs.
This is nothing new for Upton, who will be a free agent after the season. His career line in San Diego in 241 at-bats is .307/.369/.577 with 16 home runs and 37 RBIs.
"He's got real power, all-field power. He's a guy who hits homers. He gave us a little cushion with the first homer," said Padres manager Bud Black.