Bryce Harper wasn’t about to let Orlando Arcia’s taunts go unanswered.
Predictably, Harper rose to the occasion and delivered a monster two home run performance for the Phillies when they needed it most.
Harper’s heroics help lead Philadelphia to a dominating 10-2 victory over the Braves in game 3 of the NLDS, putting Atlanta on the brink of elimination.
Harper’s dramatic home runs and the subsequent intense stare-downs aimed at Arcia marked the highlight of the night.
The rivalry between Harper and Arcia ignited during game 2 of the series, with Arcia trolling Harper after his baserunning blunder cost the Phillies a chance at winning the game.
Atlanta’s center fielder, Michael Harris II, robbed Nicholas Castellanos of a crucial extra-base hit in the ninth inning. Harper, who was on first base at the time, made the ill-fated decision to advance too far around the bases and was doubled off, sealing the Braves victory.
Michael Harris called game! 😤#AsOneATL pic.twitter.com/0nJitH7rmk
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 10, 2023
In the clubhouse following the game, Arcia couldn’t resist mocking Harper, uttering a sarcastic “Ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper,” as reported by Fox Sports.
With the series evenly tied at 1-1 and shifting to Philadelphia for Game 3, Harper sought redemption in a big way.
Despite the Phillies initially trailing, Harper’s spectacular performance turned the tide in their favor. In the fourth inning, with a chance to put the Phillies ahead, Harper crushed a towering three-run homer that sailed 408 feet into the second deck in right field at Citizens Bank Park.
As he rounded the bases, Harper locked eyes with Arcia, sending a clear message.
It’s funny that Bryce Harper used to get so much flack for not being Mike Trout. But one of them is always in the playoffs and always hitting big home runs.
— Donny Football (@DonChed54) October 11, 2023
Two innings later, Harper added to his heroics with a 414-foot solo blast to dead center field, and once again, he didn’t miss the opportunity to give Arcia a hard stare as he reached second base.
Bryce Harper stared down Orlando Arcia AGAIN 😳 pic.twitter.com/jPYLcWrDzm
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 11, 2023
“Just trying to set the tone at home,” Harper said after the win. “There’s nothing like playing in front of this fan base. That’s a really good team over there. Elder had a great year. We just tried to put pressure on them early. [Phillies starter Aaron] Nola went out there and did his job. Really good win.”
It was personal for Bryce Harper 🥶
(📸:@MLBLife/X) pic.twitter.com/7pjgzh77KQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 12, 2023
Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed gratitude for Harper’s motivation, even though the superstar outfielder is well-known for his self-motivation.
“Yeah, you don’t need anything to motivate him,” Thomson stated before Game 3. “But as I said yesterday, if that adds to his motivation, then thank you.”
In his postgame press conference, Harper gave a passionate speech from the heart about just how much playing in Philadelphia means to him…
Bryce Harper IS Philly. pic.twitter.com/eZOeJ0cGIl
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 12, 2023
What are your thoughts on Harper?
Is it just me, or does it feel like the Phillies are on a magic carpet ride with no end in sight?