Bryce Harper's line-drive homer to begin game was one to remember

NEW YORK - Bryce Harper went 1-for-4 in the Nationals' 8-3 lid-lifting win over the Mets at Citi field.

But that one hit. Goodness gracious.

Manager Dusty Baker said that home run from Harper was one to remember.

"Yeah, that wasn't a moonshot," Baker said. "That was like a Hank Aaron shot. That was like a high line drive. It didn't (take) any time. As soon as he hit it, you knew that ball was out. So it just shows you, like Hank used to say, it's not far, it's how many. And he hit the ball hard to left field too, so I'm sure Harper is right around the corner."

Asking pitchers about homers always gives a unique perspective. Winning pitcher Gio Gonzalez (6-1) said that Harper's homer was different because of what he heard coming off the bat.

"That was a different sound. He got it solid. for sure," Gonzalez said. "That ball left in a hurry. But then again, it's Bryce. Any time you hear a loud sound like that you know it's going somewhere far and fast. It's impressive what he's been doing and he continues to do. He keeps (getting) better and better as the game goes on, and so young. He's got a long way to go. Enjoy baseball for the next 20 years."

So, 116.3 mph? That's the hardest-hit ball @BHarper3407 has hit in the #Statcast era. https://t.co/Cu0JNcqSFO

-- #Statcast (@statcast) June 15, 2017

What did it feel like to Bryce? Does hitting a homer like that feel different from a high fly ball swing?

"I'm just trying to put good wood on the ball," Harper said. "Have good at-bats, and if you can do that, good things will happen."

So which do you prefer, a moonshot or a laser line drive home run?

"They all count the same," Harper said." It don't really matter. You can hit one nine miles or you can hit it in the front row. It's not how far, it's how many."

The Nationals finished up with two homers and eight runs on 12 hits. Michael A. Taylor also hit a homer, his seventh, a two-run shot in the five-run fifth.

But Harper's homer will add to his amazing resume of monster shots. This one was unforgettable, even though it was in the air for less than four seconds. But then again, maybe that was the exact reason why it was so special.