Pair of Nats look sharp in rehab starts

Rick Ankiel and Michael Morse had successful rehab outings with Hagerstown on Monday as the Suns beat Lexington, 8-7, in 11 innings.

Ankiel homered with one on and one out in the second inning as part of a 2-for-3, three-RBI performance. The outfielder, nursing a tight left quad, scored two runs and walked twice as well.

Morse, rehabbing a strained right lat muscle, also provided two hits and crossed the plate once.

MLB.com reported Monday that Morse was expected to rejoin the Nationals on Thursday for Washington's home opener after Tuesday's game with the Class A club. Ankiel is expected back by the end of the week.

Hagerstown walked off with the win in the bottom of the 11th when Caleb Ramsey singled in Bryce Ortega.