Spencer Steer’s 10th-inning grand slam propelled the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-3 triumph over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night..
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Spencer Steer
Steer connected with a 2-1, 91 mph fastball from Connor Brogdon (0-1) to seal the victory.
“It feels good,” Steer remarked. “It’s rewarding to contribute positively to the team. I thrive in those pressure situations. It was an incredible moment, and I’m just glad I could deliver for the squad.”
Bryce Harper, returning to Philadelphia’s lineup after a day off, struggled at the plate once again. Despite batting third and playing first base, Harper went hitless in five at-bats, striking out twice. He now stands at 0 for 11 with five strikeouts over three games.
“It’s all about timing with him,” noted Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson. “He’ll find his rhythm.”
In the crucial 10th inning, with Harper representing the tying run, Tejay Antone (1-0) struck him out with runners in scoring position.
Reds manager David Bell opted not to intentionally walk Harper, instead trusting his pitchers to get the job done.
“Of course, you think about walking him,” admitted Bell. “He’s a phenomenal hitter. But at some point, you have to trust your guys. While you never want Harper at the plate in those situations, tonight we were able to get it done.”
With pinch-runner Bubba Thompson on second base to start the 10th inning, Brogdon walked Will Benson and Jonathan India before facing Steer. After starting with two balls, Steer capitalized on a favorable pitch, sending it over the left-center field wall.
“You can’t leave a pitch hanging to a major league hitter,” acknowledged Brogdon.
The game took place on a chilly, drizzly evening with a game-time temperature of 52 degrees. Weather conditions are expected to worsen for Tuesday night’s matchup.
Thomson indicated that he didn’t contemplate resting Harper on Monday but remained non-committal about his status for Tuesday’s game.
Harper, transitioning to first base this season, struggled against the Reds’ pitching. Despite his efforts, which included solid approaches, Harper couldn’t find success at the plate.
“I think it was just a really good approach against him,” reflected Reds starter Andrew Abbott, who limited the Phillies to two runs over 5 1/3 innings. “We had a solid plan to keep him off-balance. When you execute well, it works in your favor.”
Philadelphia starter Cristopher Sánchez retired 11 consecutive Reds, striking out eight, before allowing a walk and a double to lead off the sixth inning, ultimately ending his night. The Reds capitalized on the opportunity, tying the game at 2 with RBI singles.
