Nationals Morse and Ankiel slam homers in second rehab start

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

April 07, 2012, 3:14am

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Nationals outfielders Rick Ankiel and Michael Morse slammed home runs as Double-A Harrisburg earned its first win of the season, 5-2 at Bowie on Friday night. Ankiel crushed a two-run shot off of Bobby Bundy in the first inning, and Morse hit a solo homer in the fifth. Ankiel is recovering from a quad injury, while Morse appears ready to go after a lat injury bothered him early in spring training. Morse also added a double, finishing 2-for-3. Morse was the designated hitter and Ankiel played center field, switching roles from Thursday's season opener. Both are available to come off the disabled list this week and are likely to be available for the Nationals' home opening series, which begins Thursday versus the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park. The Senators pounded out 12 hits in the victory with Morse, Eury Perez and Jeff Kobernus each contributing a pair. Harrisburg starter Paul Demny scattered five hits over four innings, walked three and struck out three, but allowed no runs. Erik David got the win with two innings of relief, despite allowing two runs. Former George Washington University star Patrick Lehman notched his first save with one inning of work, allowing two hits and no runs.