Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) reacts after hitting a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during Game 5 of the NLCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Chase Field. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Harper records a Phillies' postseason first in wild fashion

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/21/23

The Philadelphia Phillies struck first in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks, recording a pair of runs in the first inning. However, their second run of the night was historic and a bit chaotic.

Leading 1-0 with runners on the corners, first baseman Bryce Harper scored on a delayed double steal, but not before colliding violently with Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno.

More looks at the collision at the plate between Harper and Moreno pic.twitter.com/4DcBtRQk9U
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 22, 2023

After initially throwing to second on the play, Moreno was put in harm's way by the return throw from Ketel Marte, which bounced, straying toward the baseline and right into the path of a charging Harper.

Harper immediately checked on Moreno, who has recently dealt with several head injuries. However, after regaining his composure, Moreno stayed in the game.

While a good throw home would have nailed Harper, the risky move fits the Phillies' aggressive style they've showcased during the postseason and the NLCS. They lead the MLB in stolen bases (14) in the playoffs and have now swiped seven of nine attempts against the D-backs.

For the Phillies, Harper's steal of home is the first during the postseason in the franchise's history. It's also the 22nd swipe of home plate ever in the postseason and the first in the divisional era since Tampa Bay Rays' Randy Arozarena in the 2021 ALDS, per Sarah Langs of MLB.com.

Who had Bryce Harper in the First Phillie in History to Steal Home in a Postseason Game pool?

If you did, you just won.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 22, 2023

Harper reached base on a line-drive single up the middle two batters earlier, snapping an 0-for-5 slump over the last two games.

Aside from his recent struggles, Harper's been lights out in the playoffs for Philly. Ahead of Game 5, Harper had four home runs, seven RBI and 12 walks, slashing .323./512/.710 through 10 games.

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