Bryce Harper’s Opposite Field Gun-Shot off Julio Teheran

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If Julio Teheran ends up being what he’s supposed to be–you figure that these two will face each other a solid 75 or so times in the big leagues. Here’s how the first match-up went. Edge: Harper.

Harper’s missile to the opposite field put the Nationals up 2-0 in the first inning of the MLB Network showcase game. This is a rivalry that we thought would be a classic for the entire season, and the first game of it lived up to the billing.

The Braves tied the game in the bottom of the 9th inning on Ryan Zimmerman’s throwing error, and then won the game 6-4 in the 10th on a home run.

Harper put on a clinic even in an off night. After the his fifth home run of the year, he drew a walk in an 11-pitch at-bat and stole second. He had a nice at bat against Craig Kimbrel, whom no one stands a chance.

But he can hang his hat on this:

https://twitter.com/NationalsPR/status/322853100308291585