Frustration boiled over on Sunday when Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper got into a fight during Sunday’s 12-5 loss to the Phillies.
Maybe it was because Papelbon was facing his former team, or maybe it was because Harper appeared to mouth “Let’s go!“, as Larry Brown noted.
While we don’t know exactly what was said, we do know it started when the two had a heated exchange in the dugout after Harper flied out to end the eighth inning of the game. Papelbon had pitched during the top half of the inning, and came in after the Nats’ bullpen blew a 4-2 lead.
After flying out, Harper had some words with Papelbon as he walked back to the dugout—seemingly provoking him. Papelbon then choked him, and it was on after that.
Oh wow, here's full video from @_JakeRussell pic.twitter.com/kRWgBsvNYQ
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) September 27, 2015
Jonathan Papelbon & Bryce Harper Fight in Nationals Dugout pic.twitter.com/PO9kvSYmev
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) September 27, 2015
Is it time to fire Matt Williams yet? It should be. The Nationals are out of playoff contention, and someone needs to take the fall for what has been a nightmare 2015 season.
The funny thing about it is that Williams left Pap in to pitch the ninth inning! It’s like he’s asking to be fired.
