Nationals' Daniel Murphy: Swiftly approaching career high in homers

Murphy went 1-for-4 with his 11th homer Thursday, accounting for the Nats' only run in a 3-1 loss to the White Sox.

Analysis:

Murphy's season-long assault on opposing pitching continues -- he's now just three shy of last year's career-high 14 long balls, and he's done that in 72 fewer games. That has, of course, been accompanied by his spectacular .374 batting average, which incredibly paces the National League by nearly 50 points. Murphy's showing no signs of slowing down his production for fantasy owners, as he's racked up five RBI and six runs in the last four games. The league's noticed; as the Nats' cleanup hitter, he's been forcing opposing teams to pitch to Bryce Harper.