PHILADELPHIA — After his second homer but before his third of the night, Bryce Harper scorched a ball to center field. It was a sinking liner in the gap that Cincinnati Reds center fielder Will Benson snared like a snow cone. Harper ripped off his helmet and muttered a few angry words.
So, he hit a 422-foot grand slam in his fourth at-bat.
HARPER HAT-TRICK CAPPED OFF WITH A GRAND SLAM#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/jjUSIWvTEZ
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 3, 2024
Harper entered Tuesday’s game 0-for-11 on the season with five strikeouts. He bashed three homers for only the second time in his career — and the first time in nine years. His six RBIs established a career-best. He did all this in mid-40s weather while wearing a ski mask on a night no one thought they’d play baseball at Citizens Bank Park.
In other words, Harper continued to add to his Philadelphia legend.
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He was just the fifth Phillies player to hit three homers in a game this century. Brad Miller (2021), Jayson Werth (2008), Ryan Howard (2006) and Mike Lieberthal (2002) were the others.
Harper’s homers traveled 1,209 feet total. It was worth playing, after all.
GO DEEPER
Bryce Harper delivers more heroics for Phillies on grand, 3-homer night to remember
Required reading
- Baseball’s missing milestones: How long will 500/3,000/300 drought last?
- Phillies say they’re not concerned, but Bryce Harper’s bothersome back is worth watching
- Bryce Harper’s first ‘normal’ spring training with Phillies allows time to focus on 1B
(Photo: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)
