Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 5-4 Win In Colorado

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Aug 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits an RBI double and the go ahead run in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Nationals defeated the Rockies 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Harper Delivers Go-Ahead Hit

While two games is too early to say that Bryce Harper is “back”, the reigning NL MVP had a game last night that would remind fans of last year or the first month of this season. Harper, who was back in the cleanup spot, went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a RBI, and two walks.

Last night, Harper saw 21 pitches in his five at-bats, which was tied with Jayson Werth for the most on the Washington Nationals (ESPN). In the first inning, Harper drew a seven-pitch walk against Jorge De La Rosa.

His first double of the night came in the third inning when he hit a 0-2 splitter from De La Rosa into right field. Two innings later, Harper drew a four-pitch walk with one out. He did make two great plays defensively in the game, but his best at-bat came in the seventh.

With runners on the corners and facing a tough lefty in Boone Logan, Harper doubled to right on a 1-2 slider to give the Washington Nationals the lead. How tough was this matchup? Well, Harper is hitting .222 against lefties while left-handed hitters are hitting .159 against Logan with eight extra-base hits.

Even though it is only two games since he returned from the neck injury, Harper is 4-for-6 with three doubles, three walks, and two RBI’s. He may not be all the way back yet, but this is definitely the Harper that Washington Nationals fans have been waiting to see for most of the season.

Next: Bullpen Shuts Out Rockies