Outfielder Bryce Harper continued his torrid month for the Nationals, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored and four RBIs as Washington crushed the Padres 10-5 on Sunday.
Harper hit his MLB-leading 14th homer in the seventh inning, already surpassing his home run total from last season. He finished just a double short of the cycle and improved his slash line to .338/.476/.729.
"I think [Harper] is just playing," manager Matt Williams said to MLB.com. "He is understanding the strike zone. He is taking a walk when it's offered to him. When he gets guys in scoring position, he is aggressive and waiting for a good pitch to hit. That's the difference for any hitter. Somebody that has his ability, it makes a huge difference."
During the month of May, Harper is hitting .418 with nine homers and 22 RBIs, leading fans at San Diego's Petco Park to chant "MVP!"