In just one game, Bryce Harper went from “it’s over” to “we’re so back!” the Philadelphia Phillies’ golden man wasn’t his usual self since the beginning of Spring Training. While back problems affected his Spring Training, that lack of practice led to Harper witnessing a lack of sharpness on the plate. However, for superstars like Harper, no bumps in the road are big enough to stop their momentum. He once again proved this in the Phillies’ game 2 against the Cincinnati Reds.
Harper entered the game with his back firmly against the wall. He was still hitless and the Fightin’ Phils were 1-3 in the league. The superstar had to do something to lift his team and that’s exactly what he did. Bryce Harper hit 3 Home Runs, out of which the last one was a grand slam. Not only did Harper cross 1000 career runs but also led the Phillies to win the game 9-4. For Harper, this came in as a huge sigh of relief.
After all, before this season, Harper had never started the season with more than five at-bats without a hit. To end that hitless streak with three homers is just another chapter in the illustrious career of this superstar. However, when asked how he’ll remember this night, Harper gave a very interesting answer.
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“Hopefully this is the start of us winning one (World Series), you know? It’d be cool,” Harper said. Clearly, despite having such a massive night Harper remains laser-focused on his goal to bring the World Series back to the City of Brotherly Love. The fact that they came so close in 2022 and 2023 still stings the highly passionate star.
A perfect answer from Bryce Harper 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/QFjkfF4jgI
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 3, 2024
However, while Harper remains focused on the Fall Classic, this triple-homer game does have a strong significance. After all, the last time Harper did it – it turned him into a superstar.
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Bryce Harper’s triple homer inspires the Phillies to dream again
The fact that Harper hit those three homers on a cold, windy night just made visiting the stadium worth it for fans. The fact that Harper had to wear a red gaiter over his head explains the level of cold affecting the play. But then this isn’t the first time Harper has hit a triple homer, he did it in 2015 against the Miami Marlins while he was in the Washington Nationals. His current teammate J.T. Realmuto was behind the plate then.
Realmuto remembers that entire season. After the Phillies – Reds game, Realmuto said to MLB.com, “I do remember he went to win the MVP that year. That’s a good sign for Bryce this year.” It certainly is a great sign for Harper but more importantly, this is an auspicious moment for the Philadelphia Phillies.
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After all, seeing your superstar back in form can only inspire others to do something similar. With the Phillies hoping to win their first NL East since 2011, they will need more such rockets from Harper’s bat.