Bryce Harper’s Case for MVP is Building

If the Philadelphia Phillies find a way into this years National League playoff field, its because Bryce Harper led them there.

After trailing 7-0 after three innings on Thursday night, the Phils came roaring back, and Harper was a big part of the teams offensive surge, just like he has been all season long.

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With the Phillies holding a 12-8 lead in the bottom of the seventh, Harper came to the plate and delivered his 33rd home run of the season, a 3-run blast that landed 432-feet into the second deck at Citizens Bank Park.

Harper was 3-for-4 with a three-run homer, four RBI and a pair of walks, reaching base in five of his six plate appearances and now has seven home runs in his last 11 games.

"I don't like MVP talk," Harper modestly stated after the win. "I don't like looking at my numbers. I don't like looking where i'm at. I just want to play my game. I just want to show up every night make sure i'm paying right field and batting third and doing everything I can to help this team win."

Like it or not, Harper has put his name firmly into the N.L. MVP race, hitting .314 with 92 runs scored, 33 homers, 77 RBI and 13 steals in 532 plate appearances.

With the win, the Phillies sit three games behind the Braves in the National League east, who knows where they would be without the season Harper is having.

"You can't argue with what he's doing," Phillies manager Joe Girardi said. "His numbers are incredible.  As I said, its not the most valuable in the playoffs, its the most valuable player of the season and I think he's earning it."

If the Phillies are to make the playoffs, it's likely going to end with Harper winning his second MVP award.