Phillies star Bryce Harper comes inches away from 9th inning grand slam

The Philadelphia Phillies delivered one of their most dramatic wins of the season Friday night, erasing a six-run deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-9 at PNC Park. Bryce Harper nearly produced an unforgettable ending after coming inches away from a go-ahead grand slam during the ninth inning of the wild comeback.

The Phillies appeared headed for another disappointing loss after the Pirates erupted for six runs in the third inning to take an early 6-0 lead. Philadelphia battled back behind Kyle Schwarber, who continued his outstanding season with two towering home runs.

Schwarber launched his 19th and 20th homers of the year, giving him the Major League Baseball lead while helping the Phillies stay competitive throughout the night.

The most dramatic moment, however, came in the ninth inning. With the Phillies trailing by two and the bases loaded, Harper crushed a deep drive to right-center that initially looked like a grand slam.

Instead, the ball struck the very top of the wall and stayed in play, missing a home run by only inches. The two-time MVP’s drive turned into a game-tying two-run single (he advanced to second on the throw) as the Phillies’ dugout erupted following the near miss.

Talkin’ Baseball shared the viral hit shortly after the play on X, formerly Twitter, as reactions quickly spread across social media.

“Bryce Harper missed a go-ahead ninth-inning grand slam by literal inches”

Bryce Harper missed a go-ahead ninth-inning grand slam by literal inches https://t.co/CmILURITh3 pic.twitter.com/E9IF1wDlRS

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 16, 2026

Harper finished the night 4-for-5 as he continues to heat up alongside the team during their recent surge. The Phillies ultimately completed the comeback in the 10th inning behind RBIs from Brandon Marsh and Rafael Marchan.

Jose Alvarado threw a scoreless ninth inning before Orion Kerkering earned his first save of 2026. The club has now won five of their last six games and continues to gain ground in the National League East under interim manager Don Mattingly.

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