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.