Charlie Slowes had a prescient opening to John Lannan‘s second inning at-bat last night, “and now, here comes slugging John Lannan.” The Washington Nationals lefthander and American Hero came to the plate in the second inning leading 1-0 with Ian Desmond on first after a 2-out single. Lannan, who has never been feared for his hitting, had only gotten his first hit of the year in his previous start, hit a 1-2 fastball about 361 feet to right for his career home run. He was promptly greeted by the silent treatment in the dugout, but after 5 seconds of so, his teammates celebrated with him.

Sadly, embeddable video is not yet available, but here is a link off of nationals.com of Lannan’s blast.

If you are wondering how the radio guys how radio handled his at bats, go to the MLB.com Media Center for July 22, 2011 and select the WJFK and KABC feeds for Nationals @ Dodgers (penultimate game listed) under Gameday Audio.

The Nats radio team (WJFK) with Slowes and Dave Jageler begins at 1:03:50. The Los Angeles Dodgers call on KABC, featuring Vin Scully, begins at 50:17.

Lannan’s two-run shot was the difference, as the Dodgers picked up two runs (1 earned) off of him over 6 2/3. The bullpen kept L.A. scoreless the rest of the way. Jerry Hairston, Jr. hit a grand slam to pile on in the 9th.

Strong gamer from Adam Kilgore in The Post today: Nationals vs. Dodgers: John Lannan and Jerry Hairston homer to lead Washington to win

Oh and Dodgers fan Blimpboy is so disappointed: