Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth keep hope alive for Nats in sweep

PHILADELPHIA - Is the heart still beating? Five days ago, the Nationals gave everyone the feeling it was time to kick dirt on the grave after dropping their fifth straight, leaving them a season-worst 9 1/2 games out of first place.

But with their pride questioned, the Nats showed a pulse in a 5-0 shutout win, led by ace Max Scherzer on Sunday. And tonight's 12-2 drubbing of the Phillies finished a sweep, powered by four homers apiece from Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth during the series.

Meanwhile, the Mets lost back-to-back games, cutting their lead in the National League East to 7 1/2-games. The Mets have 16 left to play while the Nats have 17 games. Don't laugh. The 2007 Mets squandered a seven-game lead to the Phillies with exactly 17 games remaining to miss the playoffs.

So you're saying there's a chance?

Not likely, but Harper is on a homer binge again and doing everything possible to keep the Nationals breathing. The 22-year-old blasted his 40th home run of the season in the seventh inning on a towering two-run shot to right field.

"It's pretty special," said Nationals manager Matt Williams, who launched 43 homers in 1994. "Again, that's just special talent. He really didn't click that ball but got enough of it. He's swinging good. He's seeing the ball good. I want him to continue doing that."

The milestone clout earned Harper a longtime baseball ritual once he finished jogging around the bases.

"I came in and guys from the cage came up and hugged me and things like that but the guys in the dugout gave me the silent treatment and then were very happy for me after," Harper said.

Harper has been thumping the baseball in September, batting .417 with nine homers, 15 RBIs and 17 runs scored over the month's first 15 games.

"It's been remarkable," said Werth of Harper's MVP-caliber season. "It's been fun to watch. I'm proud of him. He's come a long way in a short period of time. I can't say enough good things about him. He's become a superstar player right in front of our eyes. And I think he's got a lot to learn and a long way to go, too. I've said it before, but when he's 30 years old, he's going to be a hell of a player."

Werth bombed two homers for the second time in three nights, giving the veteran the 13th multi-home run game of his 13-year career. He brings hope into the Nats clubhouse as a member of the 2007 Phillies team which overtook the Mets down the stretch.

"We need to win these games," he said emphatically. "We need to win all these games. Pretty much the rest of the way, we're in a must-win situation. I feel good. I'm confident."

Asked if he'll share his experiences from 2007 to offer inspiration in the Nats clubhouse over the final 17 games, Werth responded.

"They know," he said with a stern face. "Everybody's aware. We've got to believe. And a lot has to happen."