Williams appreciates Desmond's apology

SAN FRANCISCO -- In his last at-bat in the ninth inning of Monday's 9-2 victory over the Giants, Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond knew he was a homer short of a cycle, and then he flied out to Tyler Colvin in left field. After he realized that he was making an out, Desmond slammed his bat to the ground and later apologized for his actions.

Manager Matt Williams said he appreciates that Desmond took a step back and realized what he did was wrong.

"I think it's human nature. Those times [of hitting for the cycle] don't come around very often," Williams said. "To try and do something like [the cycle], I don't think anyone would have a problem. If he feels uneasy about the reaction he had, it was a good pitch to hit. It was a hanging breaking ball, a ball he probably thought he could have done something with.

"The fact that he is uneasy about it tells me how he respects the game and he respects his opponent. He wants to win, he wants to beat them. He will do everything he can [to win]. But he also respects them and the way you should play the game. We're glad to have him on our club. That stuff is important."