Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Harper homer, Scherzer no-no highlight double-header sweep

Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Changing Of The Guard?

The first game of the double header featured a regular lineup, with only Michael Taylor sitting. Harper played center field and Matt den Dekker played in right field.

Den Dekker continued to impress, making a case for himself to be the Nationals fourth outfielder next year. In the first game, he made a game-saving catch on a ball ticketed for the gap in right field, and was on base twice with a double and a walk.

Harper could not play Game 2 of the double header. He was hit by a pitch by Syndergaard in shin during his third at bat in game one. He was limping a bit after that, and despite hitting a home run during his next at bat, was not able to go in Game 2.

The line up for the second game featured Wilmer Difo starting at second base, Trea Turner at short stop, Michael Taylor in center field, den Dekker in right field, and Tyler Moore in right field.

Unfortunately we only got a brief glimpse of Difo. In his first at bat, he bunted a ball onto the right side of the infield and slid into first to beat Harvey to the bag. He was called out, but replay showed he was safe. He hurt his hand sliding into the base and left the game after that inning. Dan Uggla was called upon to play second base when Difo had to leave the game.

Both Difo and Turner had hits against Harvey. Taylor reached on an error, which wasn’t really an error, on a ball hit hard to third base with lots of back spin on it that the fielder could not handle.

Taylor scored the Nationals first run after reaching on the “error”. Robinson singled to right field and Taylor’s speed got him to third. Taylor scored on a flyout by Wilson Ramos, again using his speed to score on a ball that wasn’t hit that deep to right field.

Next: That Bat Had Home Runs In It