Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bryce Harper says 'Aloha, Mr. Hand' with second home run

By Sean Keane | Last updated 10/11/23

Bryce Harper's blunder helped the Atlanta Braves steal Game 2. He's gotten a lot of payback in Game 3.

Two innings after his three-run homer gave the Philadelphia Phillies a 4-1 lead, Harper crushed a 414-foot shot to center off reliever Brad Hand.

BRYCE HARPER IS THE KING OF PHILADELPHIA BUILD THE DAMN STATUE pic.twitter.com/R58zTS186N
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) October 11, 2023

Harper was only 6-for-25 lifetime against Hand, his teammate on the Phillies last year. But one of those hits was a home run, and Harper did it again on a very high shot that dropped over the wall.

Just as he did after his first home run, Harper stared down Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia as he jogged between second and third. Arcia reportedly taunted Harper in the Braves locker room, chanting "Atta boy, Harper." Apparently Harper took that personally, and the fans booed Arcia during introductions.

All of the Braves got booed, of course, in the pregame introductions, but none louder than Orlando Arcia, who reportedly yelled, "Atta boy, Harper," in the clubhouse after Game 2.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) October 11, 2023

Center fielder Michael Harris II, who made the defensive play that ended Game 2, made a valiant effort to snag Harper's second home run, nearly falling over the outfield wall.

It's Harper's fifth home run against the Braves in the last two postseasons. In seven games this year and last, Harper is 13-for-28 against Atlanta with five home runs and 10 RBI. He's hitting .464 and slugging a ridiculous 1.179, with an on-base percentage of .531.

He's gotten revenge against the Braves and more. The best part? When you hit the ball over the fence, it doesn't matter how you run the bases.

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