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Washington Nationals: Three Takeaways From Wild Win Over Tigers

By Ricky Keeler

May 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Clint Robinson (25) hits a walk off homer against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Clint Robinson (25) hits a walk off homer against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) reacts towards home plate umpire Brian Knight (not pictured) as first baseman Clint Robinson (25) is greeted by teammates after hitting walk off homer against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Thoughts On The Harper Ejection

Even though Robinson’s home run won the game, the storyline after the game was Bryce Harper being thrown out in the bottom of the ninth by home plate umpire Brian Knight. Harper was ejected after Danny Espinosa struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch.

Now, F.P. Santangelo of MASN pointed out during the game that Harper was yelling at Knight after he struck out looking in the fourth inning. But, in the ninth, with everyone yelling in the dugout, Knight decided to throw out Harper even though Baker said no profanities were said during that exchange:

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Now, after Harper was ejected and Robinson hit the walk-off, Harper pointed at Knight during the celebration at home plate and said a profanity at Knight. Here were Harper’s comments about it after the game:

While I wouldn’t be surprised if Harper was fined for the words he used, I don’t think he should be suspended for them. You could say he would be suspended for coming back on the field, but in Friday night’s Red Sox-Yankees game, manager John Farrell was not suspended after coming back on the field during the top of the ninth. Instead, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, he was fined.

Next: Robinson Walks Off Detroit In 9th

Some of the blame has to be put on Knight in this spot. He remembered the incident from the fourth inning and out of all the people yelling, he found Harper. However, Harper needs to realize he can’t get ejected in that situation should the game have gone to extra innings after being ejected late in two games last season.

In the end, both sides were in the wrong here. While I understand Harper’s frustration and the adrenaline of the moment, he has to remember that the team needs him in the game. Fortunately, Robinson was able to bail out Baker from having to use Chris Heisey in extra innings.

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