What did Orlando Arcia say? Explaining the Bryce Harper staredown after Game 2 comments

Dan Treacy

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What did Orlando Arcia say? Explaining the Bryce Harper staredown after Game 2 comments image

Pro tip: Don't give Bryce Harper any unnecessary motivation.

Harper already cemented himself as one of the best postseason performers of this generation when he led the Phillies to a surprise World Series appearance last October, and he found a little something extra in Wednesday's NLDS Game 3 against the Braves. Apparently, Orlando Arcia is to blame.

Harper indicated after the Phillies' win that he had a chip on his shoulder because of comments made by the Braves shortstop after an intense Game 2. Those who watched the game already knew that, as Harper stared down Arcia after hitting each of his home runs in a dominant showing.

So, what did Arcia say to begin with? Here's a closer look at the All-Star's comments about Harper.

What did Orlando Arcia say?

Fox Sports reported after Game 2 that Arcia repeatedly yelled "ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper!" in the clubhouse while celebrating the Braves' comeback win. 

While it wasn't confirmed that Arcia said those words when Game 3 began on Wednesday, Harper didn't need any confirmation. He used the comments as motivation, blasted two home runs in a 10-2 rout, and stared Arcia down while rounding the bases each time.

While Harper finding this chip on his shoulder from words that were never said would have made for a hilarious storyline, Arcia confirmed after the game that he did, indeed, say them. 

Arcia said he didn't intend for Harper to hear his comments, telling reporters, "that's why we were saying it in the clubhouse."

Whoops. Fox Sports noted in its initial report that Arcia yelled that line while reporters were roaming the clubhouse, so it's no surprise that word got out.

MORE: Why Bryce Harper is playing first base for Phillies

Harper, meanwhile, didn't try to shrug off the idea that he used Arcia's comments as motivation.

When asked if he enjoyed staring down Arcia, Harper told reporters, "Yeah, I mean, I stared right at him." 

Arcia didn't say anything derogatory, but that doesn't matter much in this context. Harper took Arcia's boasting personally, used it as fuel, and put the Braves in a high-pressure, must-win position entering Thursday's Game 4.

Dan Treacy

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Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.