The following was enough for Bryce Harper.
With the Philadelphia Phillies facing elimination against the Braves on Wednesday, the two-time MVP made a critical late-game defensive error that allowed Atlanta to take the lead.
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With two men on and one out in a 1-1 game in the bottom of the seventh, Braves shortstop Drake Baldwin hit a high fly ball to right field. Harper was setting up for the catch, but missed the ball.
By the time he realized his mistake, it was too late. He is leaning against the warning track, but the ball is thrown by the ball and over his head. The showing allowed Sean Murphy to score from second base for Atlanta’s 2-1 lead.
The story was ruled double, but it was clearly wrong on Harper’s part. The Braves went on to take a 3-1 lead.
But given the chance, Harper put up a plate for his mistake.
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Harper’s teammate Kyle Schwarber led off the eighth inning with a solo home run to give Atlanta a 3-2 lead. After one batter, Harper followed with a solo shot off Raisel Iglesias that tied the game 3-3.
And in a flash, Harper flipped the story of Game 2.
Harper spent most of his career on defense in the outfield, but primarily played at first base or designated hitter after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022. When the Phillies traded infielder Luis Arraez in a deadly trade, Harper moved to the outfield to right field.
Wednesday looked like he wasn’t quite comfortable in that position. But Harper was never at a disadvantage with the bat in hand.