Yohandy Morales hits first MLB home run as family celebrates in heartwarming moment

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/morales-yohandy/4jS2hnBi/"]Morales[/a], 24, launched one of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/smith-shawver-aj/fV3Oo5Q8/"]AJ Smith-Shawver[/a] in the bottom of the third inning on an 0-1 count to tie the game up 2-2.[/p][p]Washington called up Moralez ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Atlanta Braves after playing in 104 games in Triple-A.[/p][embed guid="9011c5a0-34ad-4070-97df-f550068b626a" url="https://x.com/MLB/status/2094935777650065439?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]Morales was slashing .286/.363/.519 in Triple-A this season with 25 home runs and 76 RBI. The Miami native, who was originally a second-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, made his way all the way from rookie ball to Double-A in just his first year in the Nationals' organization. [/p][p]Despite his surprising boost in power this year, Morales didn't hit a single home run in 42 minor league games in 2023. He had 32 RBI and slashed .349/.423/.494. [/p][p]Then his power started to increase. In 2024, Morales finished 75 minor league games (69 in Double-A) with seven home runs and 41 RBI. Once he finally reached Triple-A last season, he finished the year in the minors with 15 homers, 71 RBI, and a .265 average before setting new personal bests this year. [/p][p]Washington, who have been shockingly one of the best-hitting teams in baseball all year, though countered by abysmal pitching, specifically their bullpen, are eight games back of a National League Wild Card spot with a 66-74 record heading into Tuesday's game. [/p][infobox id="3e982646-21d3-4baf-ac34-10f731dff476" /]