Trea Turner and the Americans set the baseball world alight Saturday night after a monumental comeback victory against the Venezuelans at the World Baseball Classic.
"WHAT. A. GAME. @USABaseball advances to the WBC Semifinal!" FOX Sports: MLB, Twitter
The star of the show was undoubtedly Turner, who smacked a grand slam in the eighth innings to turn the game on its head. He helped turn a 5-7 deficit into a 9-7 lead, which not only helped erase a commanding Venezuelan lead but also ensured the USA's safe passage into the semifinals.
Turner caught up with American sports writer Ken Rosenthal after the game, describing his homer as one of the best he's ever hit.
"Homer wise, it's up there. It's probably No. 1," Turner told Ken Rosenthal after the game.
"THE MAN OF THE HOUR. @treavturner joins @Ken_Rosenthal and describes his go-head grand slam for @USABaseball" - FOX Sports: MLB
The terrific outing guaranteed that Team USA will remain alive in the 2023 World Baseball Classic despite a harrowing innings from relief pitcher Daniel Bard. They will face Cuba in a high-octane encounter tomorrow.
Bryce Harper one of the main architects in bringing Trea Turner to the Phillies
Bryce Harper and Trea Turner reunited at the Philadelphia Phillies after Trea signed a blockbuster 11-year, $300 million contract with the organization in December last year. The deal is due to take the 29-year-old shortstop and 2021 NL batting champion into his 40s.
Harper, as many reported, was integral to the deal going through. He has advocated for his former Washington Nationals teammate quite a bit and has managed to see the tide turn his way.
"Trea Turner, he's my favorite player in the league," Harper said. "Not even close."
What remains to be seen is how well the pair will do together. Can they push the Phillies to a serious title charge? Only time will tell!