Harper to play finale with batting, home run crown at stake
The Washington Nationals will have Bryce Harper in the lineup Sunday as the NL MVP favorite attempts to win his first batting title.
Harper enters Game 162 against the New York Mets in a tie with Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon with a .331 average.
| Player | AB | H | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harper | 517 | 171 | .3308 |
| Gordon | 611 | 202 | .3306 |
A batting crown isn't the only thing Harper is playing for. The three-time All-Star is tied with Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies for the NL lead in home runs, and sits one RBI shy of reaching the century mark for the first time in his career.
The Mets send ace Jacob deGrom to the mound to face the Nationals, a pitcher Harper has dominated in his early career. In 16 at-bats, Harper is 7-for-16 with two doubles and a home run off the right-hander.
Harper sat out Saturday's game with a bruised shin.