Watch: Harper crushes three HRs in Phillies win over Reds

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) runs the bases after hitting his second home run of the game during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bryce Harper crushes three HRs in Phillies win over Reds

By Paul Harris | Last updated 4/2/24

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper had been hitless coming into Tuesday night's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

But he took care of that in a big way.

Harper, who had gone 0-for-11 in the Phillies' first four games, exploded for three home runs — including a grand slam — in Philadelphia's 9-4 win at Citizens Bank Park over Cincinnati. It was the second three-home run game of Harper's career.

The two-time National League MVP also drove in six runs on the night.

Harper, 31, gave Philadelphia a 1-0 lead with two outs in the bottom of the first inning when he clobbered Reds starter Graham Ashcraft's 1-2 cut fastball into the left-center field stands. It was measured at 420 feet and had an exit velocity of 107.7 mph.

Bryce Harper smashes his first home run of the year! pic.twitter.com/9TrvliTKoZ
— MLB (@MLB) April 2, 2024

Harper's second home run came leading off the bottom of the fourth. This time he lined Ashcraft's first pitch 367 feet into the right-field stands. That home run was also the 1,000th run scored of Harper's 13-season career.

Bryce. Twice. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/ImqW96ngzk
— MLB (@MLB) April 2, 2024

He capped things off in the bottom of the seventh with a grand slam off left-handed relief pitcher Brent Suter.

Harper took Suter's 3-2 pitch deep into the right-center field stands, 422 feet away. It was Harper's seventh career grand slam and gave the Phillies an 8-1 lead.

Bryce Harper FOR THREEEEEEE! pic.twitter.com/V27rtJJNKn
— MLB (@MLB) April 3, 2024

This was the 26th multi-homer game of Harper's career.

Harper was bothered by a tight back at the end of spring training, which could have contributed to his slow start, as well as being in his first full season playing first base after reconstructive elbow surgery forced him to move from right field.

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