Atlanta shortstop Orlando Arcia ‘cackled emphatically’ about Bryce Harper’s base-running out following Game 2, seemingly forgetting the Braves are heading back to Philly with the series tied 1-1

Drew Smith
October 10, 2023
Phillies
1 Comment

The Philadelphia Phillies dropped Game 2 of the NLDS on Monday, losing to Atlanta 5-4 after the Braves managed to complete at 4-0 comeback over the last three innings of the game to even the series 1-1, with Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park tonight.

After Game 2, Fox Sports reported that Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia took a stroll through the Braves’ locker room following Game 2, “cackling” and repeatedly saying, “Ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper,” referring to Bryce Harper’s base-running mistake that ended Game 2.

Bryce Harper, Braves 8-5-3 Double Play

The @Braves turn the first-ever 8-5-3 double play in the #Postseason … and it ends the game!

h/t: @SlangsOnSports, @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/dhMxbnZaZ4
— MLB (@MLB) October 10, 2023

Jake Mintz at Fox Sports.com on Orlando Arcia and Bryce Harper

While Riley’s blast flipped the score, Harris’ outrageous snag and Harper’s consequent blunder was the talk of Atlanta’s locker room after the game. Kevin Pillar’s young son, sporting a custom “Money Mike” headband, waddled over to his favorite center fielder for a fist bump. Third-string catcher Chadwick Tromp strutted by Harris’ locker offering a congratulatory “Mike is him!” All while Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia cackled emphatically about Harper’s misfortune, bellowing “ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper,” repeatedly as reporters circled the room.

Cool. I’ll be honest, the entire comment is definitely overblown and if anything, made Orlando Arcia look like a childish loser and a total idiot.

The Atlanta Braves are a 104-win team and considered the best team in Major League Baseball. They were literally held scoreless in the 14 innings of the NLDS before scoring five runs over the final three innings on Monday.

But sure, let’s all have a good laugh at Bryce Harper, who has been nothing but incredible while notoriously playing the game aggressive along the base paths. Doesn’t even make sense, right?

Point being, I do not give a shit about anything that Orlando Arcia is doing in the Braves clubhouse. The Phillies have this team on the ropes for the second straight series in the NLDS and again, it’s the Braves that have to come into Citizens Bank Park and win baseball games.

Good luck.

So while I’d love to sit here and trash Arcia, I’ve come to terms with Bryce Harper’s base running years ago and mistakes will be made. I’ve also come to terms with Citizens Bank Park, the class of Major League Baseball stadiums and the postseason atmosphere that’s second to none.

Win some baseball games on the road then have a nice laugh. That would make more sense than laughing after you already lost home field advantage, assuming that’s in a thing when you’re an Atlanta sports team.

The Phillies now, just like last year, have the opportunity to bounce back tonight at home and make sure this series never returns to Truist Park by winning again tomorrow night.

That’s literally all that matters.