Which games featured Bryce Harper at his best in his first season with the Phillies.
When the Phillies signed Bryce Harper to a 13-year contract worth $330 million, top-notch production at the plate would be expected. While Harper got off to a slow start, he came around, got hot and finished with 35 home runs, 114 RBI, both tops on the team.
Harper’s home run total was second-highest of his career and his RBI total crushed his previous best of 100 set in 2018.
Now, we take a look back at Harper’s top five moments at the plate this season.
5. May 7 (Grand slam versus St. Louis)
Entering the game with a 19-15 record, the Phillies sent Aaron Nola to the mound in St. Louis against the Cardinals. After a scoreless first, Philadelphia got more than enough for Nola in the second. Odubel Herrera had a lead-off double and after a walk to Cesar Hernandez, Maikel Franco reached on an error, scoring Herrera.
After another run on a fielder’s choice and walk to Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura lined out. The Cardinals had a chance to get out of the innings allowing only two. Up stepped Harper.
With the bases loaded, Harper drilled a two-and-one offering from Dakota deep to right, way out of the park for a grand slam.
Harper’s first grand slam in a Phillies uniform put the team up, 6-0. The Phillies added five more and cruised to an 11-1 win.
Arron Nola went six innings, allowing only a run on three hits with seven strikeouts. Harper finished 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and four RBI. The home run was his seventh of the season, as the Phillies improved to 2015.