Soto, 19, leads Nats’ homer barrage

WASHINGTON — Juan Soto, the youngest player in the majors at 19, hit a three-run homer in his first career start Monday night as the Nationals defeated the Padres 10-2.

Mark Reynolds had two solo home runs for the Nationals, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Bryce Harper had a homer and an RBI double.

Soto’s drive highlighted a fiverun second inning. The promising outfielder, who played for three minor-league teams this season, hit the first pitch from Robbie Erlin (1-3) over the Nastruck tionals bullpen in left-center field. Soto also singled.

Soto’s homer traveled an estimated 442 feet at Nationals Park. He earned a standing ovation from the crowd and the teenager responded by taking a curtain call. Per Baseball-Reference.com, Soto became the first teenager to hit a home run in a major-league game since Harper on Sept. 30, 2012.

Called up to Washington on Sunday, Soto became the first 19-year-old to make his majorleague debut since Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias in 2016. He entered that game in the eighth inning as a pinch hitter and out.

The Nationals’ starting left fielder began the season at Class A Hagerstown. He hit a combined .362 with 14 homers and 52 RBIs in his three minor-league stops.

Gio Gonzalez (5-2) allowed two runs and two hits in seven innings.

The Nationals transferred infielder Howie Kendrick to the 60-day disabled list and recalled left-handed pitcher Tim Collins from Triple-A Syracuse. Collins, 28, made his first appearance in the majors since the 2014 World Series with the Royals after undergoing two elbow surgeries.