Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of the first inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on May 5, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Red Sox-Phillies game was delayed on Friday night after a scary fan accident — the supporter reportedly fell into the bullpen from the upper levels.
The highly anticipated return of Bryce Harper had to come with a caveat, and that was an unfortunate incident at the start of the Boston Red Sox–Philadelphia Phillies game.
Just three pitches into the first game of the series, a Phillies fan appeared to fall into the Red Sox bullpen from the upper deck. Players immediately motioned for medical support, and everyone held their breath for a tense period as they awaited more news.
Red Sox relievers John Schreiber and Kaleb Ort were seen in the bullpen visibly distraught.
Thankfully, the fan seemed to be cognizant and responsive, and he had movement in all extremities. He was transported onto a cart and taken to a local hospital.
Red Sox-Phillies game is postponed after fan falls into bullpen
NBC Sports’ Taryn Hatcher explained the situation in real time:
“Our understanding is a ball was tossed up to a fan, and it landed in that flower bed that sits at the bottom of the fence up there above the visitors’ bullpen. The fan tried to reach down and get the ball, took a tumble, and ended up in the bullpen. That’s what we’re hearing, but we will provide more updates as they become available.”
A little time after the scary incident, the game resumed at Citizens Bank Park. At the time of this writing, the Red Sox and the Phillies are tied 3-3 at the top of the sixth inning. Bryce Harper has one hit and one run in two at-bats in his first game since Tommy John surgery.
Regardless of this game’s outcome, thought and prayers to the fan who took a scary tumble. Hopefully, he didn’t suffer any serious injuries and will be okay.
