More Tyler Moore means more runs for Nationals

It hasn't been easy for first baseman Tyler Moore to get a ton of starts or extended playing time this season. But in the final two games of the series against the Marlins, he showed what he can do when he gets consistent at-bats.

Moore slammed a three-run shot in the sixth inning, giving him six homers on the season. He also hit a homer Saturday. In his three starts in the series, Moore hit .375 (3-for-8) with a double, two homers, a walk, two runs scored and four RBIs.

Manager Matt Williams on how Moore has been swinging the bat:

"Yeah, he just missed the double down the line just foul off the wall. Yesterday, he just missed one and got one as well, and today, third time around, he had an idea of what the pitchers were going to do and picked on the first one and hit it over the fence. The more he plays the more rhythm he gets."

Moore appeared to really enjoy the home on Sunday, pausing a moment to watch the flight of the ball towards left field and into the Marlins bullpen. He thought he hit it much further than where it landed.

"Didn't go as far as I thought it was, it barely got out," Moore smiled. "But I'll take it for sure. It's always nice to get one."

Moore said getting back-to-back starts allowed him to get into a nice groove at the plate.

"It was good to just come in and play and be out there with my teammates," Moore said. "It was fun, good atmosphere out there and a good two wins for us, too.

"It's huge. It's fun to get out there and just compete. Any time you get that opportunity, it's fun just to get a couple of knocks or drive a guy in or do something small to help us out."

The Yankees cruised past the Mets Sunday night. The Nationals deficit has been trimmed to six games with thirteen to play. It is a tall order, but Moore says they aren't giving in just yet.

"We still have the same goal in mind," Moore said. "Hopefully, some things can happen for us. You never know. We're just trying to play day by day.

"We think about them all the time. Hopefully, it happens. It's definitely possible. That's the goal is to make the playoffs, and we're just going to try to play the best we can from here on out."

Moore was a powerhouse hitter in the minors, hitting 107 homers in 612 at-bats. With Ryan Zimmerman at first base this season, Moore hasn't seen as many starts as he would have certainly liked. One wonders if this will be his last season with the Nationals. This weekend was a reminder of what he can do when given the opportunity. Moore has always carried a big bat and has been a solid contributor off the bench who can play a corner outfield spot and at first base.