TAMPA, Fla. – The Orioles have generally managed to keep Bryce Harper quiet when they play the Nationals.
In Harper’s career, he’s played 16 games against the Orioles and hit just .185 with a home run and three RBIs.
Count Buck Showalter as someone who’s an admirer of Harper.
“Harper plays his [butt] off. I’m glad he’s not in our league. We have to play him every year, though,” Showalter said on Friday.
The Orioles won’t face the Nationals until two consecutive two game series in late August.
“We always seem to catch him when he’s a little down, not swinging the bat well.”
Showalter says there’s another factor.
“People lose sight of how good the pitching is in the American League,” Showalter said. “There’s a lot of power in the bullpens.”
That may be true, but Harper is batting .301 in interleague games.
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