Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper made a critical mistake in Game 2 of the NLDS on Monday night, and it does not sound like his opponents had any sympathy for him.
Harper was on first base with one out in the top of the ninth inning with the Phillies trailing the Atlanta Braves 5-4. Nick Castellanos hit a deep fly ball to the warning track in right-center field, and Braves center fielder Michael Harris II made an outstanding leaping catch to prevent extra bases.
Harper did not think Harris would be able to make the play, so he had already rounded second base by the time the ball was caught. The slugger was doubled up at first base to end the game. You can see the video here.
According to Jake Mintz of FOX Sports, the Braves were downright giddy about Harper’s blunder in the locker room after the game. Even with the media present, Mintz says shortstop Orlando Arcia was walking around exclaiming, “ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper!”
https://t.co/ylaPv6ScEM pic.twitter.com/wzgVTRKoQY
— Jake Mintz (@Jake_Mintz) October 10, 2023
You can understand why the Braves were thrilled with Harper’s mistake, as it helped them complete a huge comeback to tie the series 1-1. Atlanta trailed 4-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh, and there’s a chance they still could have lost had Harper safely returned to first.
Harper is one of the most competitive players in Major League Baseball. You can bet he was already determined to atone for his blunder, but he should be even more motivated after hearing that the Braves were openly mocking him.
