The bad blood between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies hasn't died down over the course of the season. Tonight's game is proof that Atlanta hasn't forgotten about the Phillies ending their season in back to back years.
Last postseason the baseball world couldn't stop talking about the staredown Bryce Harper gave Orlando Arcia as he homered in front of a raucous Philly crowd. This came after Arica reportedly yelled "atta boy Harper" in the clubhouse after Atlanta's game two victory.
This rivalry reached a new chapter tonight when speculation broke out about Orlando Arcia possibly throwing a staredown of his own at Harper.
Did Orlando Arcia just poke the bear by staring down Bryce Harper?
Philadelphia entered the night holding a six game lead in the NL East over Atlanta. With six games on the season series remaining between the clubs, each game has a more intense feel. Arcia got the Truist Park faithful on their feet when he blasted a two-run homer off Aaron Nola in the bottom of the fourth.
The discussion online heated up when people were observing Arcia during his home run trot. Many fans believe Arcia was staring down Harper while he rounded first base, and once again just before he touched the plate.
Arseeya later!@Delta | #BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/KRMiubN4qc
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 22, 2024
From the video it's hard to be certain if he was looking at Harper or the Braves dugout, but either way the action has fired fans up. Braves beat reporter Mark Bowman even noticed and emphasized his pleasure with Atlanta playing with more fire during this series.
Now the question swirling through Braves country is how will Bryce Harper respond? There's plenty of animosity between the two clubs, and the last time Harper was given "bulletin board material," he dominated the Braves in the NLDS.
While Harper is struggling in the second half of the season (.209 batting average and 75 wRC+ in the second half) we all know what he is capable of. Let's hope this time around Arica's actions kickstart the Braves rather than their opponent.