WASHINGTON - According to the dusty old archives stashed back in the vaults at Nationals Park, Ryan Howard's home run in the fifth inning of yesterday's 12-2 victory over the Nats was not only the first ball to reach the upper deck at the stadium, but also it was the longest fair ball ever struck in The District's Southeast quadrant. Apparently the homer went 441 feet. That's like Tiger Woods taking a three-quarters swing with a 9-iron.
Anyway, here's Howard's bomb:
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It should be noted that there is no happier room in the country than a big-league clubhouse following a win on the road just before they leave to go to another city. The Philadelphia ballclub was downright giddy after pasting the Washington Nine for 12 runs last night. Jimmy Rollins even interjected into Shane Victorino's post-game deconstruction of his 3-for-5 performance (double, HR, 3 runs, 2 RBIs) with some members of the local press.
"Anything Ryan can do, I can do," Jimmy said, mimicking Victorino. "I hit a double, he hits a double..."
But...
"I hit a home run," Rollins laughed, still imitating his teammate "but he hits a BOMB!"