By now you have hopefully seen the Nationals dramatic walk-off win Friday night, courtesy of Washington's en fuego first baseman, Michael Morse. It was the fourth straight game in which Morse has homered, and if he were to homer in Saturday's tilt against the San Diego Padres it would set a Nationals-Expos franchise record.
The last player to homer in four straight games for the Nationals or Expos? Chris Widger, in 1999. With all apologies to the Widger family, let's get back to Mr. Morse.
Morse began the year as the starting left fielder for Washington, but struggled mightily out of the gate and quickly lost playing time, and then his position. The possible season-ending injury to first baseman Adam LaRoche, however, opened the door for Morse and he has instantly capitalized. Morse will never match LaRoche's glovework, but hitting .424 (14 for 33) over the last 11 games will quickly make up for any miscues on the bag.
As the Nationals look to regroup at home after a demoralizing road trip, Morse's continued offense production will be vital to the team's success. And frankly, I hope he does hit a home run today, so a National can bump yet another Expo from their "shared" record books. America, Morse Yeah!