Make no mistake, one of the biggest stories of the day in MLB was the Indians' trouncing of the Yankees, but everyone will be talking about what Bryce Harper did in Philadelphia on Friday.
The Phillies defeated the Cubs, 7-5, at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, though that only tells part of the story. First, Philadelphia couldn't touch Chicago starter Yu Darvish on the evening as the righty went seven innings, struck out 10 and gave up no runs or walks. This game was firmly in the hands of the Cubs entering the ninth inning.
Philadelphia was down, 5-1, going into the ninth. But as comfortable as that lead was, it's just as uncomfortable for Cubs fans what happened next. The Phillies scored six runs in the final frame to win, 7-5, with four of those coming on one swing of the bat from Harper.
On a 2-2 count with the bases loaded against Derek Holland, Harper took a 95-mph fastball off the inside part of the plate and sent the ball soaring into the Pennsylvania night. Statcast said the ball went 413 feet. We're not sure it's landed yet.
BRYCE. IN. HIS. VEINS. ❄️#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/i9O3JCBwD3
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 16, 2019
Holland wasn't upset with the pitch. Harper wasn't upset with the result.
"It's a huge win for us, a huge sweep right there," Harper said as the Phillies took all three games of the series from the Cubs. "That's a great Cubs team over there and for us to be able to sweep them and start this homestand off right is huge for us."
The Cubs came into this game already guaranteed a loss in the series, but just a reminder that Chicago is now 0-10-2 in its last 12 road series. It is also 23-38 on the road for the season. That is one of the worst records in all of MLB. But fortunately for the Cubs, the Cardinals also lost Thursday, allowing Chicago to maintain a tie atop the NL Central.
In New York, the Indians demolished the Yankees, 19-5, and did so with seven home runs in the game. Even more impressive, though, every single Cleveland starter had at least two hits in the game. This wasn't the type of game the Yankees wanted, but it was one the Indians needed as they remain in an intense battle for the lead in the American League Central with the Twins.
Studs of the night
Amed Rosario (five hits), Pete Alonso (five hits) and Wilson Ramos (four hits) combined for 14 of the Mets' 23 base knocks in a 10-8 win over the Braves. Alonso also had six RBIs on the night.
Dud of the night
Mariners outfielder Keon Broxton went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, but Seattle beat the Tigers, 7-2.
Highlight
Ronald Acuna Jr. is more than just a good hitter.
.@ronaldacunajr24 does it all! 😱#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/sHCTgkC9wS
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 16, 2019
What's Next
Brewers (63-58) at Nationals (65-55), 7:05 p.m. ET — A pivotal series in the National League playoff race, the Brewers and Nationals are separated by 2 1/2 games, with the Nats in the top spot in the wild-card race and Milwaukee sitting one game out. Every game matters at this point and this game certainly does as well.