Bruce Harper injured in first game of double header

Bryce Harper Is not in the lineup for Game Two of a double header against the Atlanta Braves. Harper fouled a pitch off he ankle in Game 1 of he double header. Although he fought through the at bat and continued playing center fielder for a half an inning afterwards, Harper was pulled in the third inning of the 4-0 loss to the Braves.

Harper's ankle was swollen and he was in obvious pain, but fortunately for the Nats, an MRI taken if the ankle was negative for any break. Harper was replaced by Roger Bernadina.

Despite pitching seven solid innings of 1 run baseball, Edwin Jackson took the loss. He allowed 7 hits and fanned 9 Braves. The Nats bullpen pitched 2 innings and allowed 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs. Henry Rodriguez continued his struggles, facing three batters and allowing 1 hit, two walks, and two runs.

With he loss in Game One, the Nationals lead in the NL East dwindled to just 1.5 games. Despite a 9-2 lead last night, the Nats fell to the Braves 11-10 in 11 innings last night.