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Bryce Harper launches grand slam vs Braves (Video)

By Corey Francis

Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) gestures to the stands while rounding the bases after hitting a game-winning walk-off three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) gestures to the stands while rounding the bases after hitting a game-winning walk-off three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals star outfielder Bryce Harper hits third career grand slam, this time off the Atlanta Braves ace Julio Teheran.

Watch out, National League teams. Bryce Harper is on a roll to start the season. After a well-below average season in 2016, Harper is taking the game by storm in a way only he can. He appears healthy, strong, and hungry. And he is taking it out on opposing pitchers.

In four of his first five seasons, Harper hit 20+ home runs, with 42 in his 2015 MVP season. His pace this year in on track for over 52 home runs. Additionally, he is top 10 in the NL in average (.354), home runs (4), RBI (13), and OPS (1.162).

He added to those totals tonight with his third career grand slam, this one off of Braves pitcher Julio Teheran.

It that all? No. He started the game with another home run. And his increases his total home runs off Teheran to seven. That is more than any other pitcher he has faced in his career. Furthermore, he now has 18 home runs off of Braves pitchers, tied for second-most in his six years. He has 21 off the Miami Marlins and 18 off the Philadelphia Phillies.

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Bryce Harper is back to MVP form. His launch angle is up from 11 degrees to 15 degrees. The exit velocity of his lumber is back up to 92.7 MPH, his OPS and average are mirroring he 2015 performance. With these numbers, the Washington Nationals are going to be difficult to beat. The rest of the National League is watching, to see if it continues.

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