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Nieves Hits Ninth-Inning Blast to Lift Nationals

First big fly for backup catcher comes in huge situation

By Mike Buss, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 26, 2008 12:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – Wil Nieves hit his first major league homer, a two-run shot in the ninth inning, to give the Washington Nationals a 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night. Nieves drove an 0-2 pitch from Chicago's Bob Howry (0-2) into the Washington bullpen in right field for the Nationals' second straight victory after dropping 16 of 19 games.

Jon Rauch (2-0), Washington's fifth pitcher of the evening, worked a perfect ninth. Nick Johnson hit a two-run homer off Ryan Dempster into the second deck in right field in the first inning. It was the first home run to reach the second deck of Nationals Park since it opened this season. Chicago, the NL Central leaders, had won six of seven.

Washington Nationals' Wil Nieves reacts after hitting a two-run home run to win the game against the Chicago Cubs in the ninth inning on Friday, April 25, 2008, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Washington Nationals Wil Nievas, left, celebrates with teammates Tim Redding (17) and Wily Mo Pena (26) after hitting a game-winning two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Chicago Cubs' Ryan Scott Dempster delivers to the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a Major League Baseball game, Friday, April 25, 2008, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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Nieves Hits Ninth-Inning Blast to Lift Nationals

First big fly for backup catcher comes in huge situation

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Third-baseman became legendary broadcaster

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Nieves Hits Ninth-Inning Blast to Lift Nationals

First big fly for backup catcher comes in huge situation

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Chicago Cubs • Washington Nationals • baseball • Jon Rauch • Ryan Dempster • Nationals Park

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Cubs' Santo Wins Hall of Fame Nod

Induction comes roughly a year after his death

Kidnapped Nationals Catcher Alive: Cops

Venezuela police find kidnappers' vehicle, but not him

Cubs Great Ron Santo Dead at 70

Third-baseman became legendary broadcaster

Broken Bat Impales Cubs' Outfielder

Tyler Colvin in hospital after shard of bat stabs him

Cubs Manager Lou Piniella Retiring Today

Retirement moved up because of mother's failing health

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?