Harper, Hoskins rally Phils by Dodgers

PHILADELPHIA >> Bryce Harper’s hot streak of late has kept the Phillies in the playoff picture. He has opened some eyes with his offense — especially the comically oversized ones of the Phillie Phanatic mascot strapped to the slugger’s forehead.

Harper tied the game while wearing a Phillie Phanatic headband with an RBI single and Rhys Hoskins ripped a two-RBI single in the seventh inning to rally Philadelphia to a 7-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

“I got three of them the other day and thought I’d wear it today,” Harper said of his headwear.

All eyes have been on Harper this season since he signed a $330 million, 13-year free-agent contract before the season. Harper ingratiated himself with his new team on opening day when he wore Phanatic cleats . He took Phanatic fashion to the next level when he wrapped himself with a headband that sported the mascot’s eyes on top of the slugger’s own. Phillies fans went wild in the seventh when Harper’s helmet flew off on a headfirst slide into second on the tying hit, the furry Phanatic taking top billing under the cap.

Hoskins delivered in the next at-bat when he ripped one to right off Joe Kelly to cap a four-run seventh for the Phillies and a 7-5 lead.

Harper said he decided to make a fashion statement simply because of the heat on a steamy, rainy day. He has been hot at the plate, too: Harper went 6 for 13 with three doubles, one home run and seven RBIs in four games against the Dodgers and is batting .413 (33 for 80) with 14 extra-base hits and 47 RBIs this season with runners in scoring position. He beat the Dodgers with a double on Tuesday night.

“We’re going to lean on him,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “We’ve leaned on him all season long and we’re going to continue to lean on him.”