Rapid Reaction: Washington Nationals Win In Milwaukee And It Felt Great
Jun 12, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) scores a run during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nationals Batters Are HBP Targets
Brewers reliever Michael Blazek hit Bryce Harper with a fastball during his at-bat in the top of the ninth. It didn’t look intentional, but who can say for sure about these things. Since Harper had gone 3-for-3 with a walk up to that point, the Brewers might have wanted to try to not see Harper on Sunday.
They may get their wish. Harper got hit above the left knee on a pitch that was way inside. He was in a lot of pain and was replaced immediately by Matt den Dekker to pinch run. Harper didn’t even go down to first base. He could barely make it down the dugout steps. After the game, Harper told the media how much pain that he was feeling after being hit by that 95 mile-per-hour fastball:
Harper said he was hit on the knee. Will rest & see how it feels tomorrow. "It hurts. Pretty bad. ... 95 to the knee don't feel very good."
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) June 13, 2015
Even if he does play, that knee will be swollen and sore. It may cause him to be slower in the outfield. It definitely will make him lose strength in his legs, which is where most of a hitter’s power is generated.
Harper was not the only National batter to get hit by a pitch on Saturday. Ian Desmond and Anthony Rendon were both hit by pitches thrown by Brewers starter Jimmy Nelson in the fifth and sixth innings. If Harper is unable to play for the Nats in the series finale tomorrow, then there is a possibility that some Brewers hitter may be eating dirt or hobbling to first base.