Harper steals show as Phillies trounce Braves to take series lead

*Photo from DraftKings Network*

Philadelphia leads series 2-1

   They woke up the monster in Philadelphia. Nick Castellanos homered twice, Bryce Harper had two homers and 4 RBI's, and the Philadelphia Phillies trounced the Atlanta Braves 10-2 on Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

   After being metaphorically punched in the mouth in the late innings of game two, the Phillies recovered in a big way, hanging 10 runs on the Braves pitching staff. The Phillies are now one win away from going to the NLCS and one win away from sending the Braves home.

   What really got the Phillies going was Orlando Arcia of the Braves. After game two in the clubhouse, Arcia was heard saying "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, atta boy, Harper." That led to Harper homering twice, staring down Arcia each time he passed second base on his trot. Harper woke up for sure.

   Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm said of the situation that "It was more like, surprise. Like, ‘Really? Really? Oh, wow. He said that.’ The cheesy saying, ‘Don’t wake a sleeping giant.’ I think Harper kind of put a stamp on that. I learned early, don't talk smack. Just play the game."

   Ozzie Albies gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in the top of the 3rd inning, hitting an RBI single that scored Ronald Acuna Jr. Nick Castellanos tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the 3rd before Harper launched a 3 run home run and JT Realmuto hit a two run double to make it a 6-1 score. Harper hit a solo home run in the 5th, making it 7-1 on his second homer of the night.

   In the 6th inning, Arcia gave the Braves another run, hitting an RBI single that brought home Marcell Ozuna to make it 7-2 Phillies. Trea Turner got that run back in the bottom of the 6th for the Phillies with a solo home run. In the 8th inning, Castellanos and Brandon Marsh each hit solo home runs to make it a 10-2 game.

   Aaron Nola had the start for the Phillies, giving up two runs on 6 hits and a walk in 5 2/3 innings, picking up 9 strikeouts. Strahm got the last out of the 6th before Seranthony Dominguez, Orion Kerkering, and Michael Lorenzen each threw a scoreless inning to seal the game.

   Bryce Elder lasted just 2 2/3 innings for the Braves, allowing 6 runs on 5 hits and a walk. Michael Tonkin pitched 2/3 of an inning before Brad Hand allowed a run in one inning. AJ Smith-Shawver allowed 3 runs in 2 2/3 innings, while Daysbel Hernandez pitched a scoreless inning.

   Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said of Elder's poor start that "Going into that third inning, I thought he might go five. He looked like his old self. His stuff was really good. It just kind of went quick."

   Game 4 of the series is on Thursday night in Philadelphia. Ranger Suarez gets the start for the Phillies as they try to close out the series and advance to the NLCS. The Braves need to win to force a deciding game 5 as Spencer Strider will get the start.