WASHINGTON -- As Bryce Harper continues his fast start to the season, nights such as Monday's 14-6 Nationals victory over the Cardinals showed off the variety of tools he possesses.
Harper reached base in all six of his plate appearances, going 4-for-4 with a pair of walks, two runs scored and three RBIs. And in the seventh inning, he delivered a strong throw from right field after catching a line drive to complete an inning-ending double play.
"Bryce is hitting the ball hard," Nats manager Dusty Baker said. "He's using the whole field, and he's patient ... I'm just hoping he stays hot."
• Harper bunts, beats throw, loses belt
Harper joked that he got to know Cardinals first baseman Matt Carpenter well on Monday night, but Carpenter was also the victim of Harper's arm. With the score still close in the seventh inning, Carpenter reached base on a one-out single that fell in front of Harper. But Carpenter drifted too far off first base on a line drive by Stephen Piscotty, and Harper took advantage. After the catch, Harper delivered a strike to first base to double off Carpenter for the inning-ending double play.
"Yeah I was pretty fired up for it," Harper said. "Reminds me of my catching days and throwing guys out. Always a lot of fun to do that."