(AP) - Michael Morse circled the bases for a grand slam after taking an imaginary swing, and the Washington Nationals cut their magic number for winning the NL East to one Saturday night, beating St. Louis 6-4 on Kurt Suzuki's two-run double in the 10th inning.
The Nationals were forced to wait at least another day when second-place Atlanta won.
St. Louis' magic number for clinching the second NL wild-card spot remained at three.
The Nationals opened the game with a blast, and a bit of comedy.
Morse's drive with the bases loaded cleared the wall but caromed back onto the field, sending runners and fielders scurrying.
The umpires reviewed the ball on replay and confirmed it was indeed a grand slam.
The umps ordered all runners to retrace their steps and Morse back to the plate.
He mimicked his swing minus a bat, then made his trip around the bases.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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