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VIDEO: Watch Bryce Harper face Stephen Strasburg for the 1st time

The Washington Post / Getty

Yes, it's spring training. Yes, it's batting practice. But Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg squaring off for the first time in their careers? Yes, please.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

The two No. 1 picks engaged in a battle of bragging rights Wednesday after Strasburg asked Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams to throw his second round of batting practice this spring. Williams obliged and opened up the session to anyone who wanted a piece of the Nationals ace.

"The big boys wanted to see him," Williams told Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington. "They wanted to get in there. This year’s a little bit different than last year. Last year we had two live sessions instead of one. So it gives them opportunity to get back in and see a little bit more (velocity), a little better movement on pitches in anticipation of Game 1."

Harper, Denard Span and Danny Espinosa all stepped into the batter's box to face their hard-throwing teammate, who did them no favors by mixing in his curveball and changeup in addition to a mid-90s fastball. 

Strasburg got the best of Harper, who whiffed three times and muscled out one hit during the 10-pitch session.

"He looked good," Harper said. "I'm thankful he's on my team." 

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