Just what the Nats Nieves: A win streak

Cubs at Nationals

Date published: 4/26/2008

BY RICH CAMPBELL

WASHINGTON

Fireworks exploded in the sky above as the 30-year-old journeyman catcher touched 'em all for the first time on a major league field. His two-run opposite field home run in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Washington Nationals a dramatic 5-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

"When it went out, it was a great feeling," Nieves said. "It felt like I was running on the clouds. It was unbelievable. I've never had that experience."

As the delirious crowd of 35,154 at Nationals Park danced and celebrated, Nieves pumped his fists repeatedly, ecstatic over his first home run in 163 major-league at-bats. He gave the Nationals their second straight win, something they hadn't done since the third game of the season.

"Always nice to see anybody get their first big-league home run," manager Manny Acta said. "And the way he did it-opposite field to win a ballgame-was just a great feeling."

Nieves has been trying to gain a foothold in the major leagues for several years now. He's had a brief stint with the San Diego Padres in 2002 and played sporadically for the New York Yankees each of the last three seasons, but he's making the most of his opportunity in Washington.

Nieves was added to the roster earlier this month when catcher Paul Lo Duca was sidelined with a right bruised hand. His reputation is strictly as a defensive catcher. He entered last night's game with a career .180 average.

After so many tries to establish himself as a big-leaguer, he approached this opportunity with a relaxed perspective. Don't try to be a star, and have fun.

"I learned in baseball that the only thing I can control is my attitude and the way I play," he said. "I don't worry about stuff outside that."

So far, it's working. His walk-off homer raised his average this season to .368.

CUBS 3NATIONALS 5

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Date published: 4/26/2008