Bryce Harper showcased an elite performance in the Phillies’ 6-4 comeback victory over the Giants. He went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBIs and a walk.
Harper’s contributions helped the Phillies secure their first series-opening game win in San Francisco since 2014. The Phillies hadn’t won a series in San Francisco since 2013.
Harper’s Impactful Game
Harper’s performance included a two-out double to left field in the first inning. He scored a run with a double off the right-field wall in the fifth. He also hit a game-tying, two-run single to right in the seventh.
“I don’t think he really worries about that,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “He knows he’s going to hit. We know he’s going to hit.”
Overcoming a Slow Start
Before Monday’s game, Harper was batting .139 with two home runs and four RBIs in nine games. It marked the worst start to a season in his career. He had even heard some boos during the Phillies’ season-opening homestand.
Harper homered in Wednesday’s series finale against Washington in Philadelphia before homering in Friday’s series opener in Colorado. But he went 0-for-8 with two strikeouts the rest of the weekend.
“I easily could have been 2-for-4 that second day [in Colorado],” Harper said. “I felt good. I hit some balls hard. It’s always a process. But I didn’t miss the pitches over the plate tonight, so I felt good.”
Key Moments in the Game
Monday marked Harper’s first three-hit game since Aug. 26. It was his first three-RBI game since Aug. 18, and only his third three-RBI game since 2024.
- Harper did not swing at any of the six pitches he saw out of the zone on Monday.
- The last time he saw six or more pitches out of the zone and didn’t chase was Sept. 5, 2024.
“I feel like it’s been good,” Harper said about his swing. “I feel good. I’ve just got to keep plugging away and keep having good at-bats.”
Giants’ Early Lead and Phillies’ Response
The Giants initially took a 4-0 lead into the fifth inning. Phillies rookie Andrew Painter allowed nine hits and four runs in four innings in his second career start. Painter threw only 11 of 21 first-pitch strikes.
“I dug myself i
Harper last played at Oracle Park on July 9, when he had a huge game following a slow start to his season.
Following Monday’s performance, Harper said, “I mean, I’m really good. I really am. I don’t want to put that out there, and everybody goes, ‘What’s he talking about?’ But I know when I’m going well, I’m one of the best in baseball.”