Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper had an eventful Friday night against the Reds in Cincinnati. Not only did Harper single off a 102-mph fastball from closer Aroldis Chapman, but he also got hit in the back by a fastball from Cincinnati reliever Tony Cingrani.
Bryce Harper hit by pitch, Reds unhappy with his stroll to 1B
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Harper, who leads the majors with 18 home runs and is hitting .329/.468/.733 this season, was hit by a pitch from Cingrani in the seventh inning, and did not like it one bit. Harper took his time removing his batting gloves and excess padding, then walked slowly to first base.
The Reds were none too happy about Harper's lengthy walk to first base, with first baseman Joey Votto voicing his displeasure to Harper on the field.
Harper finished 1-for-4 with that hit by pitch. The Reds won the game 5-2.
After the game, Votto downplayed his comments to Harper.
Votto on Harper confrontation. "I don’t know what you’re talking about. I real Bryce fan." #reds
— John Fay (@johnfayman) May 30, 2015 But Cingrani was eager to share his thoughts.
Cingrani on Harper HBP: "He should have jogged, but what are you going to do? Be a baseball player. Sorry I hit you, run." #reds
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) May 30, 2015 The Nationals said the right things, baseball code for “We will remember this but don’t want to get fined or punished any more than we have to once we retaliate.”
Strasburg said the pitch just got away from Cingrani. Williams said the same. Tension diffused.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) May 30, 2015 Harper on HBP: 'It just got away from him, it’s part of the game. It just got away. There’s nothing I can do. It just hit me.’ #Reds #Nats
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) May 30, 2015 As for his single in the ninth against Chapman, Harper shared his secret for success.
#Nationals Bryce Harper on how to hit a 102 mph fastball: ‘Close your eyes and swing’ #Reds
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) May 30, 2015 ★★★
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