Phillies: Bryce Harper’s top five offensive moments of 2019
1. August 15 (Walk-off grand slam versus Cubs)
Facing the Cubs in an important three-game series at home, the Phillies had already taken the first two. However starting pitcher Drew Smyly struggled, allowing five earned runs and seven hits through five innings. Offensively, the Phillies couldn’t find their way against Yu Darvish, who struck out 10 and allowed only four hits through seven innings.
Juan Nicasio and Ranger Suarez kept the Cubs from adding to their lead from the sixth inning on, allowing only two hits in four innings of relief. The Phillies finally got on the board in the 8th, but still trailed by four heading into the bottom of the ninth.
Jean Segura hit a fly ball to left for an easy out to begin the ninth. After Cesar Hernandez reached on an error, Scott Kingery singled to center. Brad Miller hit a pinch single scoring Hernandez and Kingery advanced to third. Roman Quinn singled off Pedro Strop scoring Kingery and the Phillies were very much alive, down 5-3. After Rhys Hoskins was hit by a pitch, the stage was set for Harper.
Left-handed specialist Derek Holland, who had just been traded from the Giants to the Cubs on July 26, entered the game. After falling behind in the count, Harper battled back to a 2-2 count. Then to the delight of Phillies fans everywhere, Harper smashed a 95-mph fastball just inside off the plate high and deep to right.
https://twitter.com/Phillies/status/1162395845011972096
The ball landed fair into the second deck for a grand slam and a remarkable 7-5 comeback win. Harper sprinted around the bases in near-record time and was mobbed by his teammates.
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No question, that was Harper’s top moment and likely the Phillies top moment of the 2019 season.