Harper Hauls it In

Bryce Harper went 0 for 4 Monday night, yet made the single most important play as the Phillies beat the Brewers.

Milwaukee had the bases loaded with two out and the score tied in the top of the 7th. Mike Moustakas, who'd already hit an upper deck homer, hit a screaming line drive to right. Harper raced, dove and caught the ball at full extension. A game saving catch. Plain and simple.

In bottom of that inning, the Phils broke the tie -- Jean Segura struck out but reached base on a wild pitch, then stole second. JT Realmuto drove him home for the go-ahead score. A Cesar Hernandez walk and Odubel Herrera's double provided insurance for what turned into a 7 - 4 final.

But, please, circle back to Harper. Even though the "defensive metrics" don't rate him highly, the Phillies top winter acquisition passed the eye test as the Phils reached the 1/4 mark of the season in first place at 24 & 16. That puts them on track for 96 victories and a .600 winning percentage.

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