GB&U GAME 67*: Willie Harris Walk-Off Homer for Fourth Straight Win

Posted by Cheryl Nichols

"In my heart, I'm an everyday player, but on my contract, I'm a utility guy," --Willie Harris, June 20, 2009.

THE RESULT: The Nationals beat the Blue Jays 5-3 in twelve innings with a two-run walk off homer by Willie Harris. The Nats are officially on a winning streak. Saturday night's victory produced several records a well. A season leading four straight wins, second straight extra innings win, tied amount of innings at twelve and Nick Johnson tied a franchise record, held by Rusty Staub, of reaching base in 10 consecutive plate appearances.

THE TAKEAWAY: Despite starter Ross Detwiler's strong start, he missed out on first big league win. Detwiler went a career high 7 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on six hits. The bullpen only gave up one run out of five relivers.

Mike Rizzo explained to the bloggers that there are four key elements to have a successful team: defense, offense, starting pitching and bullpen. Don't look now, but it appears that the current Nationals are starting to figure out all four at the same time.

THE GOOD: Willie is more than a "utility" player. He was the hero of the night and did everything that could to help Nats get their twentieth win. Harris went 2-4 with 2 RBIs, 1 walk and 1 SB. For the third straight game, Willie Harris made another amazing catch, this time to rob an extra-base hit from Raul Chavez in the fifth. Harris also hit the winning two-run homer in the twelfth inning and spoke to Debbi Taylor from MASN after the game.

THE BAD: Elijah Dukes caught stealing at second base in the seventh.

THE UGLY: Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn each went 0-5 with two strike outs each. The duo left eight on base between them.

NOTES: Jesus Colome, who came out in the 11th with a strained right quadriceps muscle, is day-to-day. He said the injury was hurting him most of the way through his matchup with Adam Lind, and Acta said the Nationals will monitor him in the morning. "If we have to make a decision, we'll make one," Acta said.

NEXT GAME: Toronto Blue Jays at Nationals Park. Shairon Martis (5-1, 4.76) faces Ricky Romero (3-3, 3.73) at 1:35 p.m.

Photos 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.