Bryce Harper smashes three-run HR, stares down Arcia

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bryce Harper smashes mammoth three-run HR, stares down Braves' trash-talking SS

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Oct 11, 2023 7:04 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper sent a message to the Atlanta Braves and their shortstop, Orlando Arcia, early in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday.

Tied 1-1 in the bottom of the third, Harper launched a mammoth second-deck home run, batting in three to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead in front of a raucous Citizens Bank Park crowd. As Harper rounded the bases, he sent an unmistakable glare toward Arcia, who mocked the Phillies star after the Braves' Game 2 victory.

HE TRIED TO WARN 'EM pic.twitter.com/284lM8XeFM
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 11, 2023

Great angle of Bryce Harper’s HR. Little stare at Orlando Arcia #AttaBoy

pic.twitter.com/LLgoPwjCO2
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 11, 2023

Harper's epic long ball also fired up his teammates, who tacked on two more runs in a six-run third, chasing Braves starter Bryce Elder from the game.

On Monday, the Braves clinched a 5-4 win in Game 2, with the final out coming on a base-running gaffe from Harper. In the Braves locker room following the game, Arcia repeatedly yelled, "Atta boy, Harper," with reporters present.

Perhaps the moral of this story for Arcia is that a two-time MVP like Harper doesn't need any added motivation, so it's best not to give it to him.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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