Professional tip: Do not give Bryce Harper any pointless motivation.
Harper already cemented himself as probably the greatest postseason performers of this technology when he led the Phillies to a shock World Collection look final October, and he discovered a little bit one thing further in Wednesday’s NLDS Recreation 3 in opposition to the Braves. Apparently, Orlando Arcia is responsible.
Harper indicated after the Phillies’ win that he had a chip on his shoulder due to feedback made by the Braves shortstop after an intense Recreation 2. Those that watched the sport already knew that, as Harper stared down Arcia after hitting every of his residence runs in a dominant displaying.
Bryce Harper has hit two residence runs tonight.
He is stared down Orlando Arcia as he rounds second base each occasions pic.twitter.com/SVgwSmLZhi
— The Sporting Information (@sportingnews) October 11, 2023
So, what did Arcia say to start with? Here is a more in-depth take a look at the All-Star’s feedback about Harper.
What did Orlando Arcia say?
Fox Sports activities reported after Recreation 2 that Arcia repeatedly yelled “ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper!” within the clubhouse whereas celebrating the Braves’ comeback win.
Whereas it wasn’t confirmed that Arcia stated these phrases when Recreation 3 started on Wednesday, Harper did not want any affirmation. He used the feedback as motivation, blasted two residence runs in a 10-2 rout, and stared Arcia down whereas rounding the bases every time.
Whereas Harper discovering this chip on his shoulder from phrases that have been by no means stated would have made for a hilarious storyline, Arcia confirmed after the sport that he did, certainly, say them.
Arcia stated he did not intend for Harper to listen to his feedback, telling reporters, “that is why we have been saying it within the clubhouse.”
On if he meant for Harper to listen to what he stated:
“No, he wasn’t supposed to listen to it, that’s why we have been saying it within the clubhouse.”
— Spencer McKercher (@swmckercher) October 12, 2023
Whoops. Fox Sports activities famous in its preliminary report that Arcia yelled that line whereas reporters have been roaming the clubhouse, so it is no shock that phrase bought out.
MORE: Why Bryce Harper is taking part in first base for Phillies
Harper, in the meantime, did not attempt to shrug off the concept he used Arcia’s feedback as motivation.
Bryce knew precisely what he was doing after he went yard (twice) 🤣🤘 pic.twitter.com/0wLumqLjRQ
— NBC Sports activities Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 12, 2023
When requested if he loved staring down Arcia, Harper informed reporters, “Yeah, I imply, I stared proper at him.”
Arcia did not say something derogatory, however that does not matter a lot on this context. Harper took Arcia’s boasting personally, used it as gasoline, and put the Braves in a high-pressure, must-win place coming into Thursday’s Recreation 4.