Outfielder Joey Wiemer stepped up to the plate in the fifth inning against Taijuan Walker on Monday night with a chance to make history. He entered the at-bat tied with Carlos Delgado for most consecutive plate appearances reaching base to open a season (10) since 1920.

Wiemer worked a 2-2 count, then hit a weak ground ball back to Walker, who fired it to first as Wiemer ran as fast as he could. He’d have to settle for a tie.

Still, tying the record is impressive for Wiemer, who was cast off by three major league teams in the last year.

“It’s good to get off on the right foot, just playing the game, playing hard,” said Wiemer, who finished the night 2-for-4 with a walk.

Wiemer went 6-for-6 with two home runs and two walks in the team’s opening series in Chicago. Then his streak nearly ended in his first at-bat on Monday night. He hit a ground ball to first baseman Bryce Harper and Walker went to cover the bag. But Wiemer beat Walker to extend his streak. He singled again in the third inning. But his streak fell just short of history.

Wiemer, 27, was claimed off waivers by the Nationals in January to serve as a defensive replacement. In the last year, Wiemer has been designated by assignment by the Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins and the San Francisco Giants.

He’s made the most of his opportunity in Washington.