Harper snaps out of slump with big game

By Bill Ladson

April 10, 2014

WASHINGTON -- Left fielder Bryce Harper hit seventh in the lineup during the Nationals' 10-7 victory over the Marlins on Wednesday night and broke out of his 4-for-26 slump.

In the fourth inning, Harper battled left-hander Brad Hand for 10 pitches before he hit a three-run homer that landed in the upper deck. The umpires initially ruled it a homer, but checked on the replay to be sure. They determined that the call should stand.

Two innings later, Harper singled to left field, but was stranded at third base. He ended up going 2-for-4 in the game.

"I'm more impressed with [the at-bat after the home run]," manager Matt Williams said. "He took the ball the other way. He is going to hit home runs, we know that. His consistency in which he takes the ball the other way is key for him. So, it was a good night for him."

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashingNats.