Kobernus notches first Major League base hit

WASHINGTON -- Sure, it was only a slow chopper down the third-base line. But after Jeff Kobernus beat out Eduardo Escobar's throw to first, that slow chopper became the first hit in the Nationals utility man's Major League career.

"It was nice to get it out of the way," Kobernus said. "[The ball] is probably going to end up on my family's mantel, or something like that. Or maybe mine, I don't know, if I ever get a house."

Kobernus made his first Major League start in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader, leading off and playing center field. He reached base three times, collecting two hits and a walk.

Kobernus got his first hit in the third inning, but he squandered the opportunity by rounding second base on a fly ball with one out and getting doubled up by center fielder Aaron Hicks. He said he was stealing second and didn't get a good jump on the ball.

Besides that gaffe, however, Kobernus played well. He looked comfortable at the plate and in center, where he said he had played only 15 games or so while at Triple-A Syracuse.

"Yeah, it definitely feels good to be able to help the team win," Kobernus said. "That's what it's all about."