Harper gets 1st hit after 0-for-9 start in spring training

By: The Associated Press Posted: 1:20 PM CDT Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2019 Last Modified: 3:33 PM CDT Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2019

Advertise with us

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Bryce Harper finally got his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after a 0-for-9 start.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Bryce Harper finally got his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after a 0-for-9 start.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/03/2019 (2702 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Bryce Harper finally got his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after a 0-for-9 start.

The slugger lined a 97-mph fastball to centre on a 2-1 pitch from Detroit Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull in the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game. He jokingly gestured toward the dugout that he wanted to keep the ball.

It was Harper’s 16th plate appearance over six exhibition games. Turnbull struck him out swinging in the first.

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper watches his single off Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, March 20, 2019, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

In his final at-bat, Harper walked against Reed Garrett to lead off the seventh. Harper has struck out six times and drawn five walks.

“Took great swings on pitches that he just missed and fouled back,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said after the 3-1 loss to the Tigers. “And one swing, a foul ball (down the third-base side) that was a real near-miss. You could see with just a little bit better timing that ball is in the seats in left field. So, a lot to get excited about there with Bryce.”

Harper played seven innings in right field.

Kapler plans to hit Harper third regularly during the regular season.

“Right now I’m happy with Harper in the three-hole because I think it makes him feel most confident,” Kapler said. “For me, that trumps anything.”

Harper agreed to a $330 million, 13-year contract in late February, almost two weeks after spring training began. He missed one game after getting hit by a pitch in the ankle on Friday.

Phillies infielder Rhys Hoskins didn’t play against the Tigers because of mild left shoulder soreness.