The good news about Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Phillies for the Braves was that Orlando Arcia hit a much-needed home run. The bad news was that he decided to stare down Bryce Harper as he rounded the basis. This conflict stems back to last postseason when reported comments by Arcia in the clubhouse were leaked to the media and Harper made them a rallying cry for Philadelphia.
Arcia's maneuver fell flat not just because the team lost the game but that the Phillies have had the Braves' number for the past three seasons. Mike Bell argued Wednesday that Arcia should have made his move during the postseason last year instead of waiting nearly a calendar year during a regular season game.
The teams have five games remaining during the regular season and will have the added drama of Arcia's antics as a backdrop. Some could argue an unnecessary one as the Braves are the team feeling all the pressure right now.