Bryce Harper is going through his best baseball season. After his UCL tear and surgery, the player was with all the ups and downs of his teams throughout the current season. Now, he has taken the responsibility to lead them to the World Series. At least his current playoff performance reflects the same. The Phillies are making a powerful push for the World Series trophy this year and the star outfielder is leading their way. Even an MLB analyst is impressed.
The division rivalry has begun, and the Atlanta Braves are finding themselves in the same position as they were in 2022 against the Phillies. Like the previous year, the Braves are the favorite this year as well. But the Phillies are once again posed as a threat by starting the series with a 3-0 win. Especially Harper’s aggression on Saturday made them taste the dust. This brought the appreciation for the DH from top MLB analyst Jeff Passan.
Jeff Passan Called Harper a “Tremendous Leader“
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Becoming a leader is difficult, especially when the game is crucial. But Harper proved he can lead his team to the winning height. His Homer changed the entire scenario of Saturday’s game, inviting praises from the top MLB analyst. To express his feelings, Passan said the 30-year-old outfielder had spent half of his life fairly under the limelight. Further, he highlighted the qualities of the outfielder, saying, “He is a beloved teammate, a tremendous leader, an elite player and as clutch as anyone in the game. He is not just everything he was supposed to be. He is more.”
Bryce Harper is 30 years old. He has now spent half his life squarely in the limelight. He is a beloved teammate, a tremendous leader, an elite player and as clutch as anyone in the game. He is not just everything he was supposed to be. He is more.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 7, 2023
While the game was equally scoreless for the two teams up to the 3rd inning, Bryson Stott appeared as the savior, breaking the tie with a run. Next, in the sixth innings, the star DH took responsibility and scored a hom run against Spencer Strider.
Interestingly, it was a 115.8 mph homer that, according to Todd Zolecki, is the first time someone crossed 111.8 mph against Strider. However, from the Braves’ side, Strider did well. He pitched seven innings, allowing one earned run on five hits with eight strikeouts.
Bryce Harper hit that homer at 115.3 mph.
Spencer Strider had never allowed a ball in play at more than 111.8 mph.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) October 7, 2023
On the other hand, Ranger Suárez allowed one hit in 3 2/3 innings. Seranthony Dominguez had two hits in the fifth innings, including a called third strike on Ronald Acuña Jr. with runners at first and third bases. Another significant thing that happened in the game was the record-breaking audience.
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The Truist Park Witnessed the Record Crowd
The Atlanta Braves 2023 season was satisfying enough that it attracted a record crowd in Saturday’s game. While the Braves games mostly attract a massive audience, they increase each time. While before the Braves attracted 43,619 up to March, this record broke with another highest one, 43,344 in July. Again, the record broke on Saturday with the highest number of people attending the game, 43,689. It is reportedly the biggest turnout in the last seven years.
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Well, when the crowd was that big, the humiliation of the Braves was also equally big. Do you think they will make a return in the next game? Share your thoughts with us.
Watch the Story: Bryce Harper’s Miraculous Comeback Season Shocks Fans As Phillies Clinch Playoffs