Nationals season narrative: Nice and easy until stumbling vs. Phillies

12:51 AM ET

The Washington Nationals got off to a franchise-best 14-4 start. Their .778 win pct entering Monday was the best in the majors. They had a 2.24 team ERA, the best in the majors. Bryce Harper (1.260) and Daniel Murphy (1.100) were first and fifth, respectively, in OPS in the majors.

But there was no chance they were going to play like that all season. They’ve hit their first skid. They are now 14-7 after losing three straight. Here’s a quick recap of how the season has begun and what lies ahead.

Easy road

During their 14-4 start, the Nationals faced the Braves, Marlins, Phillies and Twins. That was the easiest schedule in baseball.

Bryce Harper is on a torrid pace. His performance through 21 games this season far exceeds that of last season, when he won NL MVP. He leads the majors or is tied for the lead in home runs (9), slugging percentage (.786) and RBIs (24). His strikeout percentage is 14 percent through 21 games this season. Last season it was 30 percent through his 21 games.

Teammate Daniel Murphy isn’t quite as proven. But Murphy has been a key asset to the Nationals offense thus far. Though Harper has the track record to show he …

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