Bryce Harper is no stranger to big moments in Philadelphia. Last season, Harper lit the city on fire with his game-winning home run that sent the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series. And now, against the Atlanta Braves, Harper has ignited the city of Philadelphia once more.
The Phillies came into Wednesday night’s Game 3 of the NLDS tied 1-1 with the Braves after Michael Harris II made a stunning catch and double play to end Philadelphia’s hopes of a comeback. It was Harper who was tagged out for the double play, just barely missing getting back to base after starting to run to third.
After the demoralizing ending for the Phillies, Braves’ shortstop Orlando Arcia reportedly ribbed Harper for his mistake, according to Fox Sports analyst Jake Mintz.
All while Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia cackled emphatically about Harper’s misfortune, bellowing “ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper!” repeatedly as reporters circled the room.
Well, it’s clear Harper took that jab personally. With Game 3 tied 1-1 in the bottom of the third, Harper took Bryce Elder deep for an absolute moonshot that gave the Phillies the lead. And on his way around second, it seemed as if Harper shot Arcia a look.
HE TRIED TO WARN 'EM pic.twitter.com/284lM8XeFM
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 11, 2023
Here’s a better angle of the home run and Harper’s look.
It's Always Loud in Philadelphia. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/KWGR5qklf1
— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2023
If it wasn’t obvious enough, Harper stared down Arcia AGAIN after his second home run of the night, this time a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Atta-boy, Harper pic.twitter.com/mcThfdrC3s
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 11, 2023
Bryce has stared down Orlando Arcia after both homers tonight
pic.twitter.com/wNy57C9HyQ— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 11, 2023
Seems like Arcia woke the bear in a big way. Here’s how MLB fans reacted to Harper’s staredowns of Arcia during Wednesday’s Game 3.