NEW YORK -- File this homer under the category of "amazing," even for Bryce Harper.The Nationals right fielder hit a 96-mph fastball from the Mets' Jacob deGrom over the fence in right-center Monday night at Citi Field. The thing was, Harper broke his bat. The ball still sailed 406 feet

NEW YORK -- File this homer under the category of "amazing," even for Bryce Harper .

The Nationals right fielder hit a 96-mph fastball from the Mets' Jacob deGrom over the fence in right-center Monday night at Citi Field. The thing was, Harper broke his bat. The ball still sailed 406 feet for a first-inning solo homer in what became an 8-6 Washington win.

• These broken-bat HRs from history boggle the mind

"I barreled it pretty well," Harper said. "It just broke and kept going."

Despite the break, the exit velocity was 99 mph. Harper ended up with only the handle in his hands at home plate.

"It was impressive," shortstop Trea Turner said. "There's rumors that it was already broken beforehand. So I'm curious to see the tape if he hit on the barrel or off the end of the bat or whatever it may be. But nonetheless, impressive."

The blast marked Harper's MLB-leading eighth homer. He's one short of matching his career high for March/April homers; he's hit nine three times, including in 2017.

When Harper was done circling the bases on this one, he approached the dugout and flexed his right biceps.

"I said, 'Yeah, you're strong,'" manager Dave Martinez said.

Harper also contributed to the Nats' six-run eighth with a two-run single that cut the Mets' lead to 6-3.

This game will be remembered for a stirring comeback and a stunning broken-bat homer.