After going 0-for-11 in his first three games, Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper reminded everyone about his batting prowess with a historic performance on Tuesday night. The slugger’s three home run game which included a grand slam led to opposition manager David Bell laud him after the match.
Bryce Harper kicked off the proceedings in the first inning itself as he clobbered a 1-2 pitch from Graham Ashcraft. The two-time National League MVP would hit another solo shot off Ashcraft in the fourth inning to put his side in front once again.
The biggest highlight though was definitely the grand slam. A 422 ft bases clearing shot in the seventh inning against Brent Stutter blew the game wide open for the Phillies as they extended their lead to 8-1.
This turned out to be the second time where Harper had homered thrice in one game. Cincinnati Reds coach David Bell later admitted that he (Harper) had a “ great night” and that he absolutely beat them.
He had a great night that’s for sure. That’s the story. It’s never about just one player, but he had a great game. He absolutely beat us tonight. David Bell on Bryce Harper as per Gordon Wittenmyer of Cincinnati Enquirer.
Harper would later claim he felt really good after the game and spoke about his outing against the Braves in the Opening series.
I’ve actually felt really good...I thought I had some pretty good swings in the Atlanta series, and pretty good swings yesterday as well. I’m just trying to build that up and keep this going. Bryce Harper said via MLB.com.
Bryce Harper scores 1,000th career run in 9-4 victory over Reds
Since making his debut in the MLB, Bryce Harper has achieved several milestones in his career. Last season he entered the 300 home run club and went on to register his 1,500th hit in MLB. This six RBI game on Tuesday saw him accomplish another huge feat as he scored his 1,000th career run.
He is now one of the eight active players in the league who have crossed this mark in their career. Apart from this, he also became just the second player in Phillies history to hit three home runs including a grand slam at the Citizens Bank Park after Jayson Werth.
The Phillies who are now 2-3 to start the season, will be heading on to the field on Wednesday night, hoping to get the series win against the Reds. The spotlight will obviously be on Harper as he seems to have found his form again.
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