District On Deck
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Washington Nationals: Even rain can’t dampen the Nats

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 04: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with manager Dave Martinez #4 after the Nationals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 at Nationals Park on May 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 04: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with manager Dave Martinez #4 after the Nationals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 at Nationals Park on May 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Despite a 40 minute rain delay, the Washington Nationals couldn’t be stopped. And once again, Bryce Harper caused chaos from the leadoff spot.

The Washington Nationals have things rolling right now, not even mother nature can stop them. The heaven’s opened, both on the scoreboard and in the sky as the Nats put up plenty of runs early to seal the win.

Bryce Harper continued to rake from the top of the order as he hit a home run in each of the first two innings. He also scorched two other balls to the warning track, and is clearly seeing the ball well right now.

Since moving to the front of the queue in the batting order, Harper has gone 6 for 17, with four HRs and nine RBIs.

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It’s a theme we should continue to see throughout the weekend. The superstar has been getting plenty of pitches to hit since the move. Either from pitchers not wanting to put him on to start off an inning, or because of traffic already on the bases.

Wilmer becoming a Difo-rence maker

Speaking of traffic on the bases, Wilmer Difo has looked like an expert in that field. Following up his incredible series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he went 2 for 3 tonight with another walk.

Like Harper, he was thrust into a different spot in the lineup to try and shake things up at the plate. And again, we should look to see more of this for now. Especially while he’s acting as an excellent second leadoff hitter.

Anthony Rendon due back Saturday

The man that Difo has replaced at third base is set to reclaim his spot on the field Saturday. Anthony Rendon completed a short rehab stint with the Potomac Nationals on Friday.

During the two-game stint Rendon went 5 for 8 with a pair of doubles. But it will be interesting to see where he slots into this team right now given all the hot bats.

Martinez has the option to give Howie Kendrick or Ryan Zimmerman a day-off, and shift around Difo or Matt Adams. But regardless of who is left out, having more good hitters than spots in the order is never a bad problem.

Next: Streaks, Stats and Milestones

The second game against the Phillies is set for 4:05pm EST tomorrow, with Tanner Roark set to face Vince Velasquez.

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