While the Philadelphia Phillies were quietly trying to pick up the pieces in the visitor's clubhouse at Truist Park on Monday night, the Atlanta Braves were busy celebrating their come-from-behind 5-4 victory in Game 2 of the NLDS.
And the Braves should have been celebrating. After all, they looked all but done heading into the seventh inning. But after a pair of two-run home runs put them in the lead, they went into the ninth needing just three outs for the win.
Enter Bryce Harper, who made a costly decision on the bases, getting doubled up at first base to end the game on a phenomenal defensive play by Michael Harris II.
Tracking Bryce Harper's baserunning on the Braves' game-ending double play
— David Adler (@_dadler) October 10, 2023
You can see where he is when Harris makes the catch pic.twitter.com/tohXeFCG72
It wasn't the reason they lost the game, but Harper now has to live with his mistake, knowing that he was the tying run. To make things worse, he'll have to hear about the reported mocking that ensued from the Braves' dressing room.
According to Jake Mintz of FOX Sports, Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia was the most vocal in celebrating Harper's error. Amidst the craziness, Arcia "... cackled emphatically about Harper's misfortune, bellowing 'ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper!' repeatedly ..."
Don't expect Harper to be fazed
There's no doubt that Harper himself realizes what he did, and that there's a chance he cost the Phillies the tying run in the ninth. Although, don't expect him to be fazed by the incident, or the Braves' mocking that the media will surely ask him about.
While he readily admitted the error, he was already seemingly at peace with the outcome.
"I mean, he made a good play," Harper said. "I probably shouldn’t have gone over second base, but I made a decision and I’ll live with that."
Haper continued his explanation by saying that he knew he was "taking a chance" and that Harris "made a great play."
"Tough way to end it," were his final words on the matter.
"Tough way to end it."
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 10, 2023
Bryce Harper on the final play of Game 2: pic.twitter.com/692ZQx38RT
And tough it was, although this isn't a green rookie just getting his first taste of playoff baseball. Don't expect the two-time MVP and former NLCS MVP Harper to wilt away after this.
Phillies fans can expect the 12-year veteran to use the moment as motivation to help his team push through the disappointment of such a stomach-churning loss.
Not to mention, if and when Harper gets wind of the mocking taunts that emanated from Atlanta's celebration, that will undoubtedly motivate "playoff Harper" to take control of this NLDS back home in Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday evening.