Two of a kind

Less than a year after reviving his foundering career in 1998 while leading the Harrisburg Senators to a third straight Class AA Eastern League title, the once-foundering Geoff Blum becomes only the third shortstop in the Montreal Expos' 36-year history to homer twice in the same game.

Blum’s homers come off Darryl Kile and Dave Veres in an 11-8 loss to Colorado 26 years ago today at Coors Field.

The homers are the second and third for Blum, who will total exactly 100 in his major league career – including a pivotal shot in Game 3 of the 2005 World Series during the Chicago White Sox’s four-game sweep of Houston.

The other two Expos shortstops to homer twice in one game?

They are former United States Olympian Bret Barberie in 1991 and one-time National League All-Star Mark Grudzielanek in 1998.

Blum creates an even rarer moment on Aug. 6, 1998 as he hits for a natural cycle – single, double, triple and homer in order – during the Senators’ 3-2 victory over New Haven on City Island.

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