Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Harper's retort to Arcia barb: 2 HRs, 2 stare-downs

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Wednesday, 11 October 2023 22:40

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies star Bryce Harper wouldn't exactly admit he was fueled by comments Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia made about him after Game 2 of the teams' National League Division Series -- but he certainly heard about them.

Harper responded with two home runs in a Game 3 blowout by Philadelphia on Wednesday, staring down Arcia both times he rounded the bases.

"It's a super competitive game that we play, from both sides of the ball," Harper said after the Phillies' 10-2 victory put them up 2-1 in the best-of-five series. "And I enjoy commentary and things. ... Anytime anybody says something, right? I mean that's what it's all about."

Arcia's comments came while celebrating in the Braves' clubhouse after Harper was doubled off first base to end Monday night's game, in which Atlanta rallied from a four-run deficit after being no-hit into the sixth inning. Arcia could be heard yelling, "ha-ha, attaboy, Harper!" several times.

The barb got back to the Phillies veteran.

"Yeah, just [from] my teammates," Harper said. "That's about it. They just kind of told me, and they looked at me, and they were like, 'What are you going to do?'"

Harper and teammate Nick Castellanos both arrived at the ballpark wearing gear inspired by Colorado coach Deion Sanders. Harper wore a " Coach Prime" T-shirt and Castellanos a "Prime" hoodie.

The brash Sanders retorted at criticism earlier this season from a rival coach by saying, "They done messed around and made it personal" -- a quote the Phillies alluded to in an X post showing Harper and Castellano in their gear ahead of Wednesday's game.

"I was driving to the field, and I went oh, no. He actually played for Atlanta. Maybe I should turn around and go take this shirt off," Harper explained with a laugh, though he and Castellanos denied there was a message behind the outfits.

Harper's blasts were part of a six-homer barrage by Philadelphia that included two by Castellanos, one by Trea Turner and one by Brandon Marsh. It was Harper's 9th and 10th career home runs in the division series, most all time.

The six home runs were also a Phillies' playoff record and tied the 2015 Chicago Cubs (NLDS Game 3) for most in a postseason game.

But after the game, most of the conversation revolved around Arcia.

"There's one person I would never talk about," Turner said. "It's that guy [Harper]. We don't call him the showman for nothing."

Arcia said the comments weren't meant for public consumption, nor were they said directly to reporters -- though reporters were in the clubhouse when he said them.

"He wasn't supposed to hear it," Arcia said through the Braves' interpreter. "That's why we were talking in the clubhouse. ... When you're in the clubhouse I'm under the impression you can say whatever you wanted. I guess it was something that was reported."

He was also asked if he noticed the stare-downs from Harper during the game.

"I can't control where he looks," Arcia said. "He can look wherever he wants to look."

Harper wasn't overly upset about the situation because he doesn't believe he made a gaffe in getting doubled off Monday.

"I don't think it was a miscue," Harper said. "But I took a chance, and Michael Harris made an incredible play [in center]. If that hits off the wall or he bobbles it or anything, I score. I don't think I'm not going to change the way I play because of a moment or situation."

Other teammates were asked if they believed Harper was fueled by Arcia's comments.

"Fueled? I don't think that guy needs any fuel to do what he did tonight," Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs said. "We've seen that before. ... We all heard the quote. It's fun to watch a guy like that after somebody makes comments, to go and be successful."

Mostly, Harper was pleased the Phillies won, putting them on the cusp of a second straight NLCS appearance.

"I love this place," Harper said. "Flat out, I love this place. There's nothing like coming into the Bank and playing in front of these fans. Blue-collar mentality, tough, fighting every single day. I get chills, man. I get so fired up. Man, I love this place."

Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.

Read 158 times

Soccer

Southampton vs Liverpool: Slot hails resilient win

Southampton vs Liverpool: Slot hails resilient win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool boss Arne Slot praised his team for mounting a second-hal...

Vini, Mbappé connect as Madrid ease past Leganés

Vini, Mbappé connect as Madrid ease past Leganés

Kylian Mbappé ended his goal drought with a thunderous strike and midfielder Jude Bellingham scored...

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Barbra Banda's goal stood up as the winner to l...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams sustained season-ending te...

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Baseball

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

EmailPrintRico Carty, who won the 1970 National League batting title when he hit a major-league-best...

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Kyle Finnegan -...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated