Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Harper homer, Scherzer no-no highlight double-header sweep
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
That Bat Had Home Runs In It
The conditions at Citi Field did not appear to favor home run hitters on Saturday afternoon. It was cold, wet and very windy. The weather conditions looked like Chicago in April, and we all know Chicago in April is where home runs go to die in the outfield for loud outs.
Despite the rotten weather, in the first game of the double header all of the Nationals runs were scored via the home run. Clint Robinson hit a solo shot in the top of the seventh, Harper hit a two run blast in the top of the eighth.
Both home runs were hit to the upper deck in right field. The home runs were hit off different pitchers. Robinson got his off of Syndergaard. Harper got his off reliever Reed.
Both upper deck homers were hit with the same bat.
It is well known by now that Robinson has a special relationship with his bats, and doesn’t lend them out willy nilly. How was Robinson’s bat responsible for two home runs not both hit by Clint?
Harper broke his bat during his second at bat of the game on a ground out. He was hit by a pitch during his third at bat, and felt he needed to change things up. He asked Robinson if he could use his bat for this fourth time at the plate. It worked. Harper went upper tank just like Robinson had done with the same bat.
Despite worsening wind conditions during the second game, Dan Uggla also hit a pitch out of the park against Mets reliever Hansel Robles. We have no word on whether Uggla used the magic bat.
Next: Max Scherzer Throws 2nd No-Hitter in 2-0 Win