Bryce Harper’s first-inning home run in Game 3 of the World Series was electrifying in so many ways, as the Philadelphia Phillies slugger took the first pitch he saw from Lance McCullers Jr. and sent it flying.
We’re here to talk about what happened BEFORE that dinger (and no, it’s not about McCullers maybe tipping his pitches, although that might have helped?).
John Smoltz, who was on the mic a FOX analyst, noted that he wouldn’t be shocked if Harper would be sitting on a breaking ball early in the at-bat and would swing hard. And if Harper saw one down the middle? Look out.
That’s exactly what happened. TONY ROMO-ESQUE!
Check it out:
Here's the call
This whole thing is so freaking good. The walk up, the music, SMOLTZ CALLS THE HOMER … all of it pic.twitter.com/bdTsttLdYG
— Guy Haberman (@GuyHaberman) November 2, 2022
Great setup by Smoltz and Davis speculating that Harper was sitting curveball while mentioning that McCullers had only thrown one fastball to left handed hitters in post season. First pitch breaking ball. Long home run. Outstanding job all around, right @AndrewMarchand?
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) November 2, 2022
Everyone was in awe
This is sick by Smoltz pic.twitter.com/iMFiqvaTbS
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) November 2, 2022
This was excellent TV. All-around. Precise pictures & words.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) November 2, 2022
What a call by John Smoltz before that Bryce Harper home run #WorldSeries2022
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) November 2, 2022
For all you guys that don’t like Smoltz, the guy just predicted Harper hitting a home run sitting on a breaking ball over the middle. The guy is a genius and you need to get over what you don’t like about him because he’s the best in the business. @hittingguru7 @_JeremyBooth
— NorCalU (@NorCalU1) November 2, 2022
Smoltz basically just warned McCullers that if Harper could sit on the breaking ball he’d destroy one. And that’s what happened.
— Brian Rosenwald (@brianros1) November 2, 2022
John Smoltz is a freaking baseball savant. Called that Harper home run before he ever even stepped in the box.
— Josh Chavis (@JoshChavis65) November 2, 2022
People hate on John Smoltz but he called that Harper HR. He knows what he’s talking about
— Austin Sommer (@AustinSommer) November 2, 2022
