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With his infield single in the top of the eighth inning last night, Washington Nationals' second baseman Daniel Murphy tied the franchise (that's all-time including the Montreal Expos) record for hits in a month with 47.
Murphy passed the franchise record of 40 in a month (2005-present) on Saturday night, and entered play Tuesday night with 45 total in 109 May at bats, good for a .413 AVG, with eight doubles, six home runs, two walks and 16 runs scored.
With his 41st hit of the month, Murphy set a career high for hits in a single month, topping the 40 he hit in July of 2011, the most by any NL player in a single month since Melky Cabrera hit 51 for the San Francisco Giants in May, 2012.
Dusty Baker talked after last night's win about the production he's received from Murphy and the record he tied with his second hit of the night.
"I just was informed that Murph tied the franchise record for hits in the month of May," Baker said.
"He tied a couple of pretty good players in Al 'Scoop' Oliver, who was one of my favorites and one of the best hitters around and also one of the best ballplayers around, and Marquis Grissom.
The franchise record for hits in a month was 33 years old, set by the Expos' Oliver in August of 1982 and Grissom in June of 1994.
"He joined some pretty good company, guys that I played against and with on the other side."
Nationals 5-1 over Phillies for two straight in CBP
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Murphy finished the month 47 for 113 (.416 AVG) with eight doubles, seven home runs, a .424 OBP and a .673 SLG.
Baker was asked if he thought Murphy would be sorry to see the month of May go?
"I don't think he really cares, you know, I just think Murph is ready to hit June, July, August, September and you've seen him in October. So it doesn't really matter, just as long as we can keep him healthy and happy."
On the year, the 31-year-old infielder, who signed a 3-year/$37.5M deal this winter, has a .397/.428/.634 line with 15 doubles, two triples and nine home runs in 51 games and 208 PAs.