Big result: Bryce Harper tumbled Cincinnati Red on a major slump in a…
Bryce Harper never seems to be bothered by slumps.
The host Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Cincinnati Reds 9-4 on Tuesday night after Harper went 0-for-11 at the plate and drove in a career-high six runs. Harper also hit three home missiles, including a grand slam.
It was the second career three-home run game for Harper and his first since 2015.
“Just trying to go up there and get runs on the board early,” Harper told NBC Sports Philadelphia.
In addition to scoring his 1,000th run of the career, Harper said, “Pretty cool,” adding, “I’ve got to thank all the guys who have hit me in.” Brandon Marsh added a solo home run and two singles for the Phillies, who will look to carry over their strong offensive momentum when they host the Reds in the series finale on Wednesday. The game was moved from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET due to more rain in the forecast earlier in the day.
Ricardo Pinto, who was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, threw four innings and gave up five hits and three runs with one unearned. Pinto picked up his first career save after arriving at the ballpark in the fourth inning.
“He got stuck in traffic,” Thomson said.
The Phillies will hand the ball to Zack Wheeler (0-0, 0.00 ERA) on Wednesday. Wheeler started on Opening Day and tossed six scoreless innings.
Wheeler is 1-1 with a 3.22 ERA in six career starts against the Reds.
The Reds will look to bounce back and win the series on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Will Benson hit an RBI double and Spencer Steer had three hits and an RBI for the Reds, who weren’t able to contain Harper, a two-time Most Valuable Player.
