When in Rome, right? Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies are embracing the energy and culture of London, England in their international clash with the New York Mets on Saturday. The slugger just checked off what looked to be an item on his MLB bucket list, giving a frenetic crowd a pride-inducing moment.

With the Phillies trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, Harper smashed smashed a solo home run off starting pitcher Sean Manaea. What ensued was a fitting and fun tribute to London footballers that the locals surely appreciated.

As the two-time National League MVP made his way back to the dugout after trotting around the bases, he slid down to his knees with his arms spread wide. It is a sequence fans have seen countless times when a goal is scored in soccer, or as Europeans call it, football.

“I love soccer,” Harper repeatedly exclaimed. He had been holding onto that one for a while.

The sport that the 31-year-old first baseman affectionately imitated is essentially akin to breathing in London. The city's unbridled enthusiasm for soccer is well established, with a matchup on the pitch serving as a source of anxiety, anger and perfect bliss. Though, people seem to be quite excited for baseball as well.

The MLB continues to travel across the pond for its annual London Series in the hopes of promoting the game to a global audience. Big stars and personalities like Bryce Harper certainly help ensure that the league leaves a lasting impression on fans. Philly is interested in more than just being an ambassador for the game, however.

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This club is seeking baseball domination, regardless of the continent.

Phillies continue to cruise in 2024

Following Harper's dinger, which is his 15th of the season, the Phillies bombarded Manaea and the Mets. They scored five additional runs in the fourth, all with two outs, largely on the strength of a three-run homer by Whit Merrifield. The team hung on for a 7-2 victory to improve to an MLB-best 45-19.

The Phillies have won seven of their last eight to build an eight and a half game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. They are intent on running away with their first divisional title in over a decade and finally putting everything together in the playoffs.

October is often defined by volatility, as the 2023 Phillies can attest to, but this group is playing with tremendous confidence and flair right now. Elite starting pitching, a versatile and deep lineup and a future Hall of Famer like Harper all give this franchise a great chance to stay at the top for the remainder of the 2024 campaign.

No matter how this year ends, it is safe to say that Philly just won over London.