WASHINGTON — Bryce Harper homered using a patriotic bat and the Washington Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 9-3 on Saturday despite Stephen Strasburg exiting in the fourth inning with tightness in his left side.
The bat was painted blue with white stars. It was also illustrated with the American flag and a silhouette of the D.C. skyline, including the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument — all in navy blue and white.
Rain delayed the game's scheduled first pitch by 19 minutes. Washington's offense got to Madison Bumgarner (8-5) quickly with four consecutive hits including home runs by Michael A.