Bryce Harper is a dangerous guy, even his opponents know it. His brutal comebacks are an expensive affair for anyone who pokes this bear. Last week’s ‘Atta-boy-Harper’ debacle is solid proof. Harper dealt with the jab with simply two homers and a couple of sassy stares at the Atlanta Braves shortstop. The Game 3 results spoke for itself; a rather intimidating defeat. 

The 10-2 Philadelphia Phillies victory leading to the Braves being swept was symbolic of The Showman’s might. As the team advanced to the NLCS last Thursday the Phillies victoried against the Arizona Diamondbacks until last night. While that happens, the D-Backs have an unspoken understanding about Phillies ace, Bryce Harper. 

Paul Sewald on Philadelphia Phillies’ ace Bryce Harper

@FoulTerritoryTV posted a clip on Twitter where the Arizona pitcher, Paul Sewald shared some insights on what he feels about Orlando Arcia’s actions that provoked the aggression in Harper. Upon being interviewed, he said, “I think the Braves turned it into a thing where the Phillies could use it as motivation. If they would’ve squashed it, I don’t really think it would’ve been that big of a deal. That’s in my opinion, you know, I wasn’t in that clubhouse. You know, I am trying not to get Bryce all riled up, he’s already pretty good. I probably wouldn’t have taken a shot at him (Bryce) no matter what. We don’t need him to be extra motivated”. He went on to add that the fiasco got blown out of proportion which was absolutely unnecessary. Those words speak volumes of how the Diamondbacks walk on eggshells around Harper. 

Concurrently, in Game 3 of the NLCS, the D-Backs walked it off on a one-out with a 2-1 victory against the Phillies. It took them one clutch pitching performance and now, they’re all set to show up in Game 4. Contrary to how Game 1 and Game 2 went where the Phillies secured  5-3 and 10-0 victories, respectively. Game 3 was a must-win for Arizona. Maybe it was the home-ground advantage Ketel Marte’s walk-off single off Craig Kimbrel of the Philadelphia Phillies ignited a frenetic celebration at Chase Field. With that, the Philadelphia Phillies manager had some words to add. 

Addressing the loss, Rob Thomson said, “It could have gone either way, you know. What are you going to do? I’m not going to think about it that way. I’m going to think about coming in here tomorrow and getting ready and getting ready to compete”. Bryce Haper addressed playing in Arizona and appreciated both teams’ pitching and defense. He has his goal set, “Just got to move on as soon as possible”. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks have undergone a resurgence

The D-backs have not won a World Series since 2001. It was also the time when they last won one in the National League Championship Series. Arizona, who have fallen already behind two games to one in the NLCS, has re-surged competitively with a sense of belief that they can pull off a victory. Game 3 gave them the much-needed confidence.  

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In Game 4 on Friday against Cristopher Sanchez, the D-backs will start with a bullpen. In Games 5 and 6, they plan to start with co-stars Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. The D-Backs will continue to rely on the fresh bullpen in the upcoming game. 

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