Bryce Harper went on paternity leave to be with his wife as they welcomed their newborn child. That experience inspired him to pick up where he left off, connecting on a home run in their April 25 game against the Cincinnati Reds.

With a 2-2 count in the top of the third inning, Harper unleashed a mighty swing, sending Nick Martinez's ball soaring into the right-field seats. This two-run home run extended Philadelphia's lead to 4-0 and set the tone for the game, with an additional run in the sixth inning sealing the victory.

That hit gave Harper his fourth home run and 14th RBI this season. Coincidentally, he connected on a home run five years ago after the birth of his first child. Meanwhile, Harper, Bryson Stott, and Trea Turner combined for seven hits. Alec Bohm, J.T. Realmuto, Brandon Marsh, and Nick Castellanos had one hit each.

In 21 games, Harper is hitting .241/.330/.443 with four doubles and 11 walks in 91 plate appearances. More importantly, the Phillies have won eight of their last ten games, keeping them in striking distance with the National League East leaders, the Atlanta Braves.

After splitting their four-game series against the Reds, the Phillies will start their three-game series against the San Diego Padres on April 26 at 9:40 p.m.

-Lance Fernandez