Sunday Night Bryce

I used to write about Bryce Harper often in this very space. My daughter is named after him. I like Bryce Harper. I suppose the reason I have not written about him as much as I think he’s going to go to the highest bidder in the off-season, rather than remain with the Washington Nationals. Scott Boras and Harper planning this simple isn’t good for the sport I love.

But on Sunday night, Harper showed his meddle in the middle of a tough slump.

Harper was scuffling, and at one point his average hit .210 or thereabouts. The Nationals were in a deep hole, but rallied to avoid a sweep at home by the Philadelphia Phillies. Harper doubled his final three at-bats, including once off Seranthony Dominguez, one of the most dominating young arms the game has seen since Aroldis Chapman.

Nationals win 8-6 on Sunday Night Baseball, in one I thoroughly enjoyed. This doesn’t happen without Harper being a ballplayer.

Even though Harper is sure to leave Washington – not before he competes in the 2018 Home Run Derby at Nationals Park over the All-Star Break – I am enjoying his last run as a Nat. It’s good to see him without the beard again, too.