Harper shoulders blame for Phillies' loss vs. Marlins

Bryce Harper isn't making excuses for the Philadelphia Phillies' recent struggles.

Specifically, he's shouldering the blame for Thursday's 3-1 extra-innings loss to the lowly Miami Marlins after he popped out with Andrew McCutchen on third base with one out in the sixth inning.

"It’s on me," Harper said, according to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "With a guy at third base, less than two outs, I've got to get that job done. We wouldn't be in that predicament in that situation - Hector (Neris) throws a scoreless one like he's supposed to and we're out of there.

"So I've got to be better personally. Guy on third, less than two outs, I've got to get the job done."

The slugger later popped out to lead off the ninth and the Marlins ultimately won in extras. And though the lineup as a whole has been uneven of late, Harper hasn't lived up to his billing. After a scorching start to the season that saw him hit home runs in three consecutive games, he's batting .221/.362/.364 with two home runs in 21 contests.

It's been a rocky week for the 26-year-old outfielder. After earning an ejection from Monday's game against the New York Mets, teammate Jake Arrieta openly lamented his exit.

Manager Gabe Kapler blamed his own decision-making for Thursday's loss but also admitted the offense hasn't looked quite right.

"There's no question our lineup hasn't been clicking like it can," Kapler said. "We've been pretty beat up by injuries, but that's no excuse. We can perform better at the plate."

Though the 13-12 Phillies sit a 1/2-game back of the NL East-leading Mets, they're just 2-6 after storming to an 11-6 start. They play Game 2 of a four-game set against the Marlins on Friday night.