Kyle Schwarber caps incredible weekend with historic three-home run game

Coincidentally, Schwarber tied Bryce Harper for the most in Nationals franchise history during the same span.

Batting leadoff, Schwarber cranked his first home run in his first at-bat off Mets starter Taijun Walker. He crushed a 92-mile per hour fastball 418 feet opposite field over the Mets’ bullpen. The blast was the fourth game, Schwarber has led off with a homer in the 10 games he has been slotted at top Washington’s batting order.

Then in the fifth inning, Schwarber ripped a liner off a sinker Walker hung in the strike zone. The scorcher landed in the Nationals bullpen in right field.

Then following an electric return by Gerardo Parra, Schwarber delivered his third homer of the game. Facing Jeurys Familia with the Nationals up 3-2, the 28-year old slugger went opposite field again. He then received a much deserved curtain call.

Since being moved into the leadoff spot on June 8, Schwarber has been belting home runs at a frantic clip. He has hit nine home runs in his last 10 games, which is also the most in Nationals history during that span.

Schwarber has proven to be hidden gem for the Nationals at leadoff. In 10 games at leadoff, he is hitting .361/.415/1.111 with nine home runs and 16 RBIs. He’s hitting .600 with a 2.400 OPS in 10 at-bats leading off the game this season.

The Nationals offense has received a huge boost with Schwarber batting first. Washington has won 8 of their last 10 games. That includes taking three of four from the Mets this weekend.