Daniel Nava Excited He Won’t Finish Career With ‘Just One’ Home Run After Second Career Blast

by abournenesn

May 14, 2012

Daniel Nava Excited He Won't Finish Career With 'Just One' Home Run After Second Career BlastBOSTON –– The stigma is no longer attached to Daniel Nava.

By connecting on a two-run home run in Tuesday's 6-1 win over the Mariners, the outfielder ensured he wouldn't be a one-hit wonder.

It had been 205 plate appearances since his memorable grand slam on June 12, 2010, but he finally went yard again.

Needless to say, Nava was excited that he had added another long ball to his major league resume.

"I was glad that I hit more than one," Nava said. "A couple years ago [Kelly Shoppach] was with the Rays and I stepped in the box and he goes, 'Hey, you're the guy that hit the home run on the first pitch' and he goes, 'You really haven't done much since then.' It was true. I couldn't say anything to that.

"When I hit that one, it was just like, 'Thank God I'm not going to have just one.' That's all I was thinking about."

With the home run, Nava continued to ride the latest upswing of his rollercoaster baseball career. Before the bomb, the 29-year-old had already emerged as a staple on the basepaths, reaching base in each of his first five games for the year.

He became the first Red Sox player to accomplish that deed since Jason Varitek in 2006. Since being recalled, Nava has reached safely in 15 of 20 plate appearances, belting seven hits, drawing six walks and getting plunked twice.

Amid the sensational stretch, Nava will always remember his second homer as much as his first one. And as a result of his success, Shoppach –– his teammate –– can end any future ribbing.

"It's very special moments when you get opportunities to play here and I know it's special for him," Shoppach said. "When guys are first coming in or coming up, I try to do my best, like people treated me, to make those guys really understand how special it is to be here."

Now Nava is showing how special he can be, again.

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