The audition might last a week longer, leaving outfielder Ryan Langerhans little time to turn his season around. And, more importantly, save his job. Forget batting his own weight; he’s barely batting the weight of an average-sized high school second baseman.
Finally, he did something about it. And that something traveled over the fence, providing the difference in Washington’s 7-6 win over visiting Houston.
Langerhans’ three-run homer highlighted what constitutes a breakout game for some Nats. Not only did Langerhans, he of the .168 batting average, produce but so did Austin Kearns. It was Kearns’ two-run bouncing double down the left-field line that capped a three-run first. Kearns, batting .222 in July, now has just 36 RBI this season.
“He’s making adjustments with his hands,” Nats manager Manny Acta said. “Once he gets his timing down, it’ll pay off.”
Jason Bergmann pitched six solid innings for his second win of the season. He was helped by third baseman Ryan Zimmerman’s defense, of which Bergmann said, “He means more to this team with his glove than anything.”
For Langerhans, the hit came at a good time. With outfielder Alex Escobar due to come off the disabled list soon, the Nats (39-55) will have to cut a player or send them to the minors. Langerhans, hitting .120 in July, knows he’s on the fence.
“The thing that’s holding me back is consistency,” said Langerhans, acquired in early May. “I know I can do it, it’s a matter of doing it on the field.”
Another up-and-down hitter, Ryan Church, had an up day. Church doubled home a run in the first and singled in the seventh.
But it’s Langerhans who is fighting for a spot in August and beyond.
“He’s very useful,” Acta said. “He can play all three outfield positions and he throws well. And he has some pop, as everyone saw today.”
