Soriano Does His Part for Nationals

Just as he has every day for the better part of a week, Alfonso Soriano showed up at RFK Stadium, answered dozens of questions about the likelihood he’ll be traded, sparked the Washington Nationals to a win, then talked some more about his uncertain future.

Possibly playing his final home game in D.C., Soriano homered in his first at-bat Thursday, and the Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants, 6-5, for their season-high sixth consecutive victory.

“I don’t know what happens tomorrow, but I’m still here,” Soriano said after helping the franchise complete its first undefeated homestand of at least six games since the Montreal Expos went 6-0 from Sept. 6-12, 1993.

“It’s a very good feeling, especially if it’s my last game,” he said. “I hit a leadoff homer for my fans here in D.C.”

Soriano’s 32nd homer, off Matt Cain, was his sixth leadoff shot of the season, tying for the major league lead.

“He’s been upbeat. He’s the same. He’s cheery. He’s ‘Let’s go! Let’s win a ballgame!’ And I think the team has fed off of that, been very upbeat,” Manager Frank Robinson said.