Bryce Harper sends Phillies to World Series, a breakdown

Oct 26, 2022 636.7K views 5:57

What Happened

In a crucial Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, the Philadelphia Phillies face a one-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres. First baseman Rhys Hoskins leads off the inning and outfielder Brandon Marsh follows with a single, setting the stage for superstar Bryce Harper. Harper steps to the plate with the game on the line. Padres pitcher Seranthony Domínguez tries to attack Harper with a series of high-velocity fastballs, but the Phillies slugger fouls them off, refusing to give in. Domínguez then tries to change speeds, unleashing an off-speed pitch, but Harper calmly takes it for a ball. The next pitch is another blistering fastball and Harper unloads, sending a towering drive deep to right field. The crowd at Citizens Bank Park erupts as the ball sails over the wall, giving the Phillies a 4-3 lead. Harper watches the trajectory of the ball, his eyes fixed on it the entire way, before slowly rounding the bases as his teammates and the ecstatic fans celebrate. "Oh my gosh, I just did that," Harper says, his expression a mix of disbelief and elation. His lower body demonstrates a violent transfer of weight, unleashing the power that propelled the game-winning home run. Outfielder Kyle Schwarber leaps up and down, overcome with joy, while first baseman Rhys Hoskins jumps around like an excited child. The Phillies' bullpen rushes onto the field, with right-hander Seranthony Domínguez striking a dramatic pose on the mound. The crowd waves their towels and pom-poms, their cheers and applause cascading through the stadium. As Harper rounds third base, catcher J.T. Realmuto embraces him, celebrating the clutch performance that has sent the Phillies to the World Series. "That was an unbelievable take," the Padres catcher says, marveling at Harper's discipline to lay off the perfect changeup. The Phillies' dugout erupts in euphoria, the players hugging and jumping for joy, reveling in the moment that will be etched in franchise history.

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Phillies are down a run the rain has

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