Contrary to most opposing players, Bryce Harper enjoys playing at Oracle Park.
That’s easier to say after a win, which Harper did after his Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Giants 6-4 on Monday night.
“I love playing here,” Harper told NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Tom McCarthy and Ruben Amaro Jr after the game. “It’s one of my favorite parks to play in.”
The stats back it.
The two-time NL MVP went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBIs and a walk in the Phillies’ 6-4 comeback victory over the Giants, including a game-tying, two-run single to right in the seventh inning.
“I just feel good [here], man,” Harper continued. “My body feels good. My mind feels good. Every time I get in the batter’s box, too. I always have good mornings here too, like going to eat, dinner places. It’s just a good city to come visit.”
That is refreshing to hear from a superstar talent like Harper, given some negative reviews of the city of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area as of late, with some calling the city dangerous and dirty.
Furthermore, the ballpark in itself isn’t most hitters’ favorite.
Oracle Park has ranked among the toughest stadiums for home runs, but it doesn’t bother Harper, an eight-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger.
“When it’s windy and cold, right, it’s a little tough to play,” Harper said. “Throughout the whole night, it felt really good [swinging the bat].”
Hopefully for the Giants, their bats can appreciate the ballpark as much as Harper does, as they look to snap out of an offensive funk.
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