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Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper continues his stark turnaround

By Blake Finney

ST. LOUIS, MO - AUGUST 16: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals stands on second after hitting an RBI double against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on August 16, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - AUGUST 16: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals stands on second after hitting an RBI double against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on August 16, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Nationals managed to prevent an embarrassing sweep with a one-run win against the St Louis Cardinals, spearheaded by Bryce Harer.

With a win on Thursday night, the Washington Nationals avoided a sweep at the hands of the St Louis Cardinals. As it has been a lot of the time since the All-Star break, it was Bryce Harper who led the charge in the game.

The superstar outfielder went 3 for 5, knocking in three of the Nationals’ five runs on the night. This continues a massive upturn in fortune that he’s experienced since lighting up the mid-summer classic at Nats Park.

Since his heroics in the Home Run Derby, Harper is now third in the National League in RBI and third in OPS among those with a minimum of 60 ABs at 1.129. His season average is at .243, but given it was previously at .214 at the break, he could resurrect it to be pretty respectable by years end.

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It’s not a surprise given his pedigree, but he’s had some shocking BABIP luck that finally appears to be turning and raising that batting average to its usual level.

His BABIP before the All-Star festivities was a lowly .226 when the league average is around .300. However, since then it’s at a .429 level, with a season figure of .265, so there may be more correction still to come. We look forward to more of the same down the stretch from Bryce Harper, and fingers crossed, for many more years to come.

Roark posts another quality start

While his start on Thursday wasn’t his best in recent times, Tanner Roark still felt in control most of the night. He allowed five hits and three walks in his six innings of work, with three earned runs surrendered.

He hasn’t allowed more than the three free passes issued since the end of June, so it’s fair to chalk this up as an off-night. But, if his off-nights are like this, the Nats will be ecstatic.

Roark’s next start will likely come against the Philadelphia Phillies. Thankfully, he won’t be sporting the same facial hair as his last start against them, but with recent results, he could help get a big win in that series.

Bullpen locks down close win

With the Nationals issues in one-run games well publicized, it was good to see the bullpen secure the win. Justin Miller fired two near-perfect innings and then Koda Glover wrapped it up with his first save for over a year.

Miller relieved Roark from his solid outing in the seventh but gave up a leadoff walk. However, he proceeded to retire the next six hitters he faced in impressive fashion and handed to ball over to the new closer.

Glover wasn’t quite as smooth, but he got the job done. He worked around a hit by Jose Martinez and a Matt Carpenter walk in the ninth to complete the win. The right-hander has the potential to be an X-Factor in the bullpen this year and beyond, and the Nats are happy to have him back.

Next. Nats must develop more pitchers internally. dark

The Washington Nationals head home after a crushing road-trip with the Miami Marlins waiting. Bryce Harper will have to help guide them to a sweep to even have any hope remaining for the season.

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