"Joel Embiid stood up and blocked the view of everybody 10 rows up" - Phillies commentator jokes about NBA superstar recording Bryce Harper's heroics
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was in attendance to watch Bryce Harper hit a walk-off single to take the Philadelphia Phillies to victory over the Houston Astros. The guard was so invested in the game that he recorded the final play on his phone and gave fans and analysts something to chuckle about.
Monday's encounter between the Astros and Phillies was closely contested. The score was tied at 2-2 at the end of the ninth inning, and the Astros had a scoreless top of the tenth. In the bottom half, with the walk-off run in scoring position, Harper stepped up to the plate and hit a line drive to right field, driving in Kyle Schwarber from second base to end the game.
Like a distinguished Phillies supporter, Joel Embiid stayed for the entire game, including the extra innings. The gold medalist from the Paris Olympic Games was thrilled to see Bryce Harper's walk-off RBI. After recording the video, he was seen nodding in appreciation for the eight-time All-Star:
On NBC Sports Philadelphia's post-game coverage, Phillies sportscaster John Kruk joked:
"He stood up and blocked the view of everybody sitting behind him ten rows up. That's what Philly's sports are all about. Once you come here and play, you become a fan of the teams." (Time stamp: 5:58)
Here's the video Joel Embiid filmed:
Bryce Harper breaks slump with a walk-off hit
Harper has had a peculiar time since the All-Star break, trying hard to get on base. He has been hitting .223 with just 15 RBIs in the second half of the season. While he has been able to draw walks, they have been limited. Monday's game was only the second time since the All-Star break that he had multiple walks.
With his 12th career walk-off hit, Bryce Harper will possibly renew his confidence. The Phillies need their star slugger to remain in peak form as they look to consolidate their 77-54 record during September.