Nationals’ Bryce Harper faces younger pitcher for first time
For the first time in his career—including his minor-league days and various rehab assignments—Washington Nationals rightfielder Bryce Harper faced a pitcher younger than he is on Wednesday.
During the finale of a two-game series with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, Harper came to bat in the top of the eighth inning against lefthander Jacob Lindgren. Both players are 22—Harper was born on Oct. 16, 1992, while Lindgren was born March 12, 1993.
Harper flied out to left after two pitches from Lindgren. Wednesday’s game was the 415th Harper has played in since coming to the majors in 2012, and his plate appearance against Lindgren was his 1,734th.
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Harper went 1-for-4 with a single and a walk during the Nationals’ 5-4 win in 11 innings. In 58 games this season, he is batting .328 with 20 home runs, 47 RBIs and a 1.176 OPS.
Wednesday was Lindgren’s sixth major-league appearance. Two batters after facing Harper, he surrendered a two-run home run to Nationals outfielder Michael Taylor (one run was inherited).
The Yankees called up the 2014 second-round draft pick on May 24. Over six games and 6 1/3 innings, Lindgren has allowed three runs on four hits with eight strikeouts and four walks.
- Mike Fiammetta
