Bryce Harper puts NLCS exit on his shoulders, addresses missed opportunities vs Diamondbacks: "I let my team down and let the city of Philly down"
A strong Philadelphia Phillies lineup went cold in the decider game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS as they lost 4-2. Experienced players like Bryce Harper have taken the blame on themselves for being unable to take it home for the team.
In the game, the D-backs were very strong on the mound. Young starter Brandon Pfaadt had a four-inning two-run ball as the rest of the bullpen shut out the Phillies' offense. Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott were the only contributors for an average-looking Phillies lineup.
The Phillies were able to get a few hits in crucial stages. The most important of them came in the bottom of the seventh with them trailing by 4-2. D-backs reliever Andrew Saalfrank walked two with one out in the innings. Kevin Ginkel replacing him on the mound faced two of the Phillies' most important players – Trea Turner and Bryce Harper.
Unfortunately for Phillies fans both of them flied out leaving the tying runs stranded on base. Harper spoke about the at-bat after the game taking the responsibility on his shoulders for not being able to deliver when most needed:
“Not being able to come through in that moment, just devastation for me. I feel like I let my team down and let the city of Philly down as well. That’s a moment I feel like I need to come through," Bryce Harper said.
Phillies fall short despite franchise record payroll
A World Series defeat last season signaled certain changes that the Phillies looked to implement. They dished out new contracts and made an envious starting rotation and a strong bullpen. But instead, the team fell short in the most clutch moments where they were expected to deliver.
Last season Bryce Harper was the man the Phillies looked towards in getting them home during crucial moments. His incredible performances in the NLCS last season against the Atlanta Braves earned him the MVP. However, he was unable to replicate the same this year.