Bryce Harper’s Return to the Phillies Falls Flat as Dodgers’ Julio UrÃas Dominates
Bryce Harper made his long-awaited return to the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup on Monday night, but it was a tough night at the office for the former MVP. The outfielder went hitless in four plate appearances as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Julio UrÃas cruised to a 3-1 victory at Citizens Bank Park.
Harper had missed the Phillies’ previous six games due to a wrist injury but was back in the starting lineup batting third and playing right field. The 28-year-old had been in good form prior to his injury, hitting .296 with seven home runs and 13 RBI in 23 games this season.
However, Harper’s return was overshadowed by the brilliance of UrÃas, who pitched seven innings of one-run ball, allowing just four hits and striking out five batters. The left-hander has been in outstanding form this season, boasting a 4-0 record and a 2.87 ERA in six starts.
The Dodgers took the lead in the top of the second inning when Chris Taylor hit a two-run home run off Phillies’ starter Chase Anderson. The Phillies got a run back in the bottom of the inning when Brad Miller singled to center field to score Alec Bohm.
But that was as close as the Phillies would get, as UrÃas and the Dodgers’ bullpen shut down the home team for the rest of the game. The Dodgers added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Justin Turner doubled to score Mookie Betts.
Harper’s hitless night dropped his season batting average to .274. Despite the loss, the Phillies remain in first place in the National League East with a 17-16 record.
The Phillies will hope for a better performance from Harper on Tuesday night when they face the Dodgers in the second game of the three-game series. The Dodgers will counter with right-hander Walker Buehler, who is 1-0 with a 3.45 ERA in six starts this season.
In conclusion, Bryce Harper’s return to the Phillies’ lineup was eagerly awaited by fans, but unfortunately, he was unable to make an impact as Julio UrÃas dominated on the mound for the Dodgers. However, with Harper’s talent and the Phillies’ solid start to the season, there will be plenty more opportunities for the outfielder to make his mark in the coming weeks.
