Harper hits 3 HRs in first 3 ABs for Nationals

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bryan Harper has hit three home runs in his first three at-bats for the Washington Nationals against Miami.

Harper hit a solo shot in the second inning, a two-run drive in the third and a bases-empty homer in the fifth. The latter two landed in the upper deck.

All the home runs were against Marlins right-hander Tom Koehler, and each came on the second pitch of the at-bat.

It’s the first three-homer game for Harper, who still had at least one at-bat left in which to tie the major-league record of four home runs in a game.

Harper is the fourth Nationals player to hit three in one game. He follows Rafael Soriano, Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman.