Bryce Harper stares down Braves SS Orlando Arcia after blasting two home runs in NLDS Game 3
If Phillies star Bryce Harper wasn’t already an iconic postseason performer, he is now.
After ending Game 2 of the NLDS on Monday by getting doubled up in Atlanta, Harper responded by blasting two monstrous home runs to bury the Braves in Game 3 on Wednesday.
No stranger to showing some personality on the field, Harper took aim at one Braves infielder in particular, intently staring down Atlanta SS Orlando Arcia after both home runs.
Fox Sports reported after Monday’s Braves win that Arcia yelled “ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper!” repeatedly in the clubhouse. Whether Arcia actually said those words is unconfirmed, but clearly word of the taunt reached Harper.
BRYCE HARPER DEMOLISHED! THAT WAS OBVIOUS! pic.twitter.com/ALs38vPB5V
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 11, 2023
What’s not up for debate is that Harper very much took a good look at Arcia both times he rounded the bases.
Bryce Harper has hit two home runs tonight.
He’s stared down Orlando Arcia as he rounds second base both times pic.twitter.com/SVgwSmLZhi
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 11, 2023
MORE: Why Bryce Harper is playing first base for the Phillies
The Phillies’ social media team was all over it, posting an image that might become one of the more iconic Philadelphia sports pictures in recent memory.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 11, 2023
Bulletin board material can go a long way in a postseason that depends so heavily on momentum. Whether Arcia taunted Harper or not, one of this generation’s great October bats found motivation in the story.
Harper now has three home runs in this year’s NLDS, and he reached base twice in his only game without a home run. With his second home run on Wednesday, Harper became the all-time leader in NLDS home runs with 10. At this rate, his 13-year, $330 million contract might be a bargain.