WASHINGTON -- Nationals manager Dusty Baker told Stephen Drew on Tuesday that he was going to give Anthony Rendon the day off the next day while giving Drew the start at third base against the Braves.
It turned out to be a great move on Baker's part, as Drew ended up with the game-winning hit in Wednesday night's 3-0 victory over Atlanta.
Drew hit second in the order and went 1-for-3. That hit came in the fourth inning against right-hander Matt Wisler. On a 2-2 pitch, Drew went deep over the right-center-field wall to give Washington a 1-0 lead. Three batters later, Jayson Werth added to the lead by hitting Wisler's first pitch for a two-run homer.
"I wasn't trying to do too much," Drew said. "I got a pitch that ran back over. [Wisler] had a really good sinker working. I was fortunate enough to get a ball right there and put a good swing on it. It was good to get on the board.
"And then J-Dub hitting the two-run homer, it kind of eases things a little bit even more so. It was a good night overall."
Drew has been a valuable player off the bench -- so far. He can play all four infield positions and is 2-for-7 this season.
"I know my role here," Drew said. "I'm just trying to prep myself the best I can -- whether it's on the field or hitting. That's my job. I'm trying to get as much information as I can and go out and do it."