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Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Stephen Strasburg shines, homers put Nats back on track

By Pablo Roa

Apr 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (center) is greeted by Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor (left) after Harper hit a grand slam during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (center) is greeted by Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor (left) after Harper hit a grand slam during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) connects for a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) connects for a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Longball Propels Nats to Win

There are several things that have helped the Nationals get off to one of the strongest starts in team history. For starters, the pitching — both starting and relief — has been phenomenal. But the offense has also been strong over the season’s first two weeks, and the Nationals haver used the longball effectively to beat up on opposing pitchers.

Last night was no exception. The Nationals rode four home runs to a dominant 7-0 trouncing over the Phillies. Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Wilson Ramos all played a role in the slugfest, and the offense recovered nicely from Monday’s frustrating 6-1 loss.

The homers were huge for the Nationals and made things a lot easier for Strasburg. But a few of the homers weren’t just normal home runs.

Werth’s home run marked his 200th career blast. Coming just a few days after Bryce Harper hit his 100th dinger, Werth’s milestone kicked off what turned into a slugfest in the seventh inning — when the Nationals scored all seven of their runs.

Zimmerman’s homer was his first big fly of the season, and it showed just how dominant he can be when he’s locked in at the plate. Harper’s homer continued his torrid start to the season in grand fashion. With the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh, the 23-year-old superstar hit a grand slam to give the Nationals a 6-0 lead.

It was a great night for the Nationals offense, and a powerful night for the team’s sluggers.

Next: After Tough Losses, Nats Back on Track

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