PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks at Orlando Arcia #11 of the Atlanta Braves after he hits a three run home run during the third inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves on October 11, 2023 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
You don't always need to poke the bear. Especially if the bear is named Bryce Harper.
After Harper's base-running mishap saw the Philadelphia Phillies lose Game 2 of the NLDS, Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia reportedly mocked the two-time NL MVP in the aftermath.
Arcia in the Braves' locker room "cackled emphatically about Harper's misfortune, bellowing "ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper!" repeatedly," reported Jake Mintz of FOX Sports from the scene.
In Game 3 at home Wednesday, Harper got his revenge more than once. He unleashed a three-run homer in the third inning to give Philadelphia a 4-1 lead, then stared down Arcia as he rounded second.
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Harper didn't move on from the unspoken feud after that.
In the fifth inning, he launched a solo homer -- his second of the game -- and made sure to stare down Arcia once again on second base. The Phillies' social media team also kept the receipts.
MLB
Arcia learned quickly that you can poke the bear, but he forgot the bear will bite back.
