Eaton’s career day powers Nationals

CINCINNATI — Adam Eaton rounded second base on his homer, glanced toward the stands and spotted his parents, brother, wife and former college teammates cheering. He pointed his right index finger toward them, his way of sharing the big day.

Eaton had solo homer among his career-high five hits and Brian Goodwin hit his first career grand slam Saturday, powering the Nationals to a 13-7 victory over the Reds.

The Nationals’ leadoff hitter grew up in southwest Ohio and attended Miami University, a 45-minute drive north of Great American Ball Park. After tearing the ACL in his left knee last April, he wasn’t sure how much he’d be able to play in the seasonopening series near his home.

“It’s been a good two days,” Eaton said. “Starting off on a big-league roster is a check mark in itself. It’s been two really good days to start off for the team.”

The Nationals have won their first two games under new manager Dave Martinez. The last time they opened a season 3-0 was 2013, when they swept the Marlins.

The Nats won the rain-delayed opener 2-0 on Friday behind Max Scherzer’s 10 strikeouts in six innings. The Nationals broke out the bats in the second game, and their leadoff hitter got a potent offense going on a breezy, 59-degree afternoon.

“We want to keep him fresh the whole season,” Martinez said. “Right now, he feels really, really good.”

Easton had a single, a pair of doubles, a homer and a basesloaded single in his five at-bats. He scored four times and drove in three runs.

And he had that special family moment as he rounded the bases on his homer.