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Harper says fading Nationals trying to 'shock the world'

G Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty

From bravado to hyperbole, Bryce Harper and the reeling Washington Nationals know time is running out on their once-promising season.

Following Tuesday's walk-off loss, their 25th defeat in their last 42 games, the preseason-favorite Nationals sit 6 1/2 games back of the division lead and nine behind the second wild-card spot.

Harper, the NL MVP front-runner who famously asked "Where's my ring?" after Washington signed Max Scherzer, put the club's free fall in perspective prior to Tuesday's game against St. Louis.

"We got a whole month of the season left to get rolling, and hopefully get in contention," Harper told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports, "and if we do that, then maybe we can shock the world."

Given the club's recent play, Harper isn't exaggerating.

The Nationals have failed to string together more than three wins in a row during the second half, and their vaunted rotation struggled to a 4.40 ERA in August. But general manager Mike Rizzo says his team is not giving up, even with Stephen Strasburg still sidelined and outfielder Denard Span lost for the season.

"We think we have the talent on this team when we put it together to win a championship," he said. "We are the defending National League East champions. We won it two of the last three years, so these players know how to win. They really think they can do something crazy and win this thing.

"Who am I to say no?"

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