Willie Harris doesn't get many opportunities to start for the Nationals. The 29-year-old utility-man knows his role, though, so he's happy to get whatever playing time that's afforded him.
He also knows how to make the most of those rare chances. Harris has hit only two homers this season. Each, though, came during one of his 10 starts. "I'm not an everyday player and I know that," he said. "But at the same time, when given an opportunity, you've got to make the most of the opportunities."
Harris' latest bit of heroics came Friday night in Arizona. Given a chance to lead off and start at second base (one of five positions he's played this season), he belted a three-run homer off Micah Owings in the seventh inning to snap a 3-3 tie and send Washington to victory. Harris is hitting only .172 for the season, but he's a favorite of teammates and the coaching staff because of his upbeat attitude and willingness to do whatever is asked of him.
"I'm happy for a guy like Willie, because Willie works so hard and brings a lot of energy to our club every single day," manager Manny Acta said. "He's a very coachable kid."
NATIONALS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 4: Willie Harris' three-run homer in the seventh broke a 3-3 tie and sent Washington to a convincing victory at Chase Field. Making only his 10th start of the season, Harris connected off Arizona starter Micah Owings for only his ninth homer in 1,307 career at-bats. Catcher Jesus Flores also delivered a key hit, a two-run single in the second. The Nationals bullpen then hung on for the win.
