ATLANTA -- Second baseman Daniel Murphy put himself in the Nationals' record books in Saturday afternoon's 7-3 loss to the Braves at Turner Field. His double in the third inning tied Denard Span for the most hits in a season with 184.
The historic hit came with one out against right-hander Josh Collmenter. After sliding into second base, Murphy took a long time to get up, and manager Dusty Baker and head athletic trainer Paul Lessard came to Murphy's aid. Murphy had discomfort in his buttocks, according to Baker, but the second baseman is expected to be OK.
Baker has been amazed at how Murphy has carried the Nationals offensively all year long. In fact, Baker called Murphy the Most Valuable Player of the National League.
"Everybody talks about the MVP. He is not only the MVP on this team, but I think he is the MVP of the league," Baker said. "Where would we be without him? ... If the season ended tomorrow, he would be the batting champion. He has 100 RBIs. The guy has done everything and more than we expected.
"He has played almost every day, he has gotten some big hits for us. That's a heck of a year."