LONDON — Bryce Harper has seamlessly blended into the London scene this week.
He’s engaged in conversations about cricket and football, and wandered through Borough Market unnoticed, sampling various delicacies at one of the world’s premier food spots. He observed how Londoners socialize outside pubs, chatting instead of staring at their phones.
Best moments from the Phillies’ smashing win in London
Harper has enjoyed his time here.
Then, in the fourth inning of Saturday’s 7-2 victory over the Mets in the first game of the two-game London Series at London Stadium, Harper crushed a home run to right field.
Phillies fans, who have outnumbered Mets fans in London, both on the streets and at the converted soccer stadium, roared as the ball sailed over the right-field fence.
Harper signaled to the Phillies’ bullpen as he rounded second base. He touched home plate, then slid on his knees and raised his arms in front of the Phillies’ dugout, emulating Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, whom Harper noted on Friday had great hair.
Harper also doubled in the first and singled in the fifth as the Phillies cruised to victory. Whit Merrifield hit a three-run homer in the fourth, and Nick Castellanos added a solo shot in the eighth.
Ranger Suárez allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings, securing his Major League-high 10th win.
