Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Bryce Harper continues to lead Nats to greatness

May 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday afternoon was a great finish to a great road trip for outfielder Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals. The 22-year-old slugger once again led his team to a victory over the Padres, and the Nationals secured yet another series victory, a 5-2 road trip and a 22-17 record—which is just a half game behind the Mets for first place in the NL East.

Yesterday’s victory was a lot like many of the wins the team has had in recent days; the Nationals fell behind early, came back to tie it in the middle innings, and quickly ran away with it by the sixth inning.

In the end, the Nationals overcame an early 0-2 deficit and pounded the Padres, 10-5, thanks in large part to a dominant performance by Harper, an encouraging start from Stephen Strasburg, and the suddenly reliable Danny Espinosa. While there were many heroes in yesterday’s game, there’s no doubt that those three led the charge and helped the Nationals rout San Diego.

For a full breakdown of what happened in yesterday’s game, checkout our recap here. For now, lets take a look at how the three players mentioned above helped bring the Nationals another step closer to first place.

Next: FACT: Bryce Harper's a pretty good baseball player...

May 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

FACT: Bryce Harper’s a pretty good baseball player…

That, of course, is a major understatement. We all knew Bryce Harper was in for a breakout season this year, but few expected him to be this good, this early in the season.

Harper’s been dominant all year long and has put up offensive numbers that—if the season ended today—would all but certainly earn him the NL MVP award. The 22-year-old has really turned things on over the last couple of weeks, hitting .471 with 6 homers, 10 walks and 17 RBIs over his last 10 games.

Harper has been a key player for the Nationals throughout the season and throughout the last road trip, so it’s not surprising that he had such a big impact on the result of yesterday’s game. In the game, Harper went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a walk.

One of Harper’s hits was a big, three-run homer to left field that stretched the Nationals’ lead to 10-3 in the top of the seventh inning. While that ball traveled 372 ft. and left the park in a hurry, Harper had another hit that barely made it to the end of the infield grass and still gave the Nationals a run. When you hit a 372 ft. blast and a 8 mph, 50 ft. dribbler, and both help your team win, you know your name must be Bryce Harper.

Needless to say, Harper was a big part of last night’s game. If he continues to hit as he’s been hitting over the last couple of weeks, he will be the MVP come October. Of course, a lot has to happen between now and then. But based on his performance so far this season, he’s off to a great start.

Next: TRADE STEPHEN STRA—wait, never mind, he's pretty good too...

May 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

TRADE STEPHEN STRA—wait, never mind, he’s pretty good too…

While Harper had a huge game, perhaps the best thing that happened to the Nationals yesterday was that Stephen Strasburg overcame his recent struggles and actually pitched a solid game.

Strasburg, of course, had struggled mightily in his last few starts. He battled injuries and gave up a combined nine earned runs over his previous two starts, which amounted to only 6 1/3 innings of work.

His recent starts were beyond discouraging for the Nationals and their fans and led many to believe that the right-hander was injured and that he may be headed for a stint on the disabled list, or even a trade. Yesterday, however, Strasburg bounced back and showed flashes of the pitcher he can be when he’s on his game.

Strasburg pitched well, overcoming some early hiccups to throw five solid innings in which he allowed three runs on five hits while striking out seven. He was by no means stellar, but he looked much better than he has in previous starts and that is incredibly encouraging news for the Nationals.

Next: Danny Espinosa continues to do his part...