SAN FRANCISCO -- When the Giants offered Bryce Harper $310 million in February, they knew there was little chance of him living up to the contract. But as team officials watched him make Oracle Park look remarkably small Friday night, perhaps there were some second thoughts. Perhaps he would have been worth every penny.
Harper hit two loud homers, the second one splashing down in McCovey Cove and proving to be the difference in a game the Giants lost 9-6. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler, looking for a spark, put Harper in the leadoff spot. He got an inferno, and the Giants got a demoralizing look at the one that got away.