The Philadelphia Phillies lost the last game of their series against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The Phillies struggled from the start and could not score a run as they went 0-14 with runners in scoring position.
The game was not without drama, however, In the sixth inning, Kyle Schwarber was called out on strikes on a pitch that was high and out of the strike zone. He argued the call with home plate umpire Ryan Wills. Rob Thomson subsequently came out to argue the call and was ejected. This brought some energy and emotion to the Phillies as they failed to perform at the plate.
Bryce Harper takes exception to Rockies' reliever
The main attraction occurred in the seventh inning when Rockies' reliever Jake Bird celebrated and taunted after the final out of the frame toward the Phillies' dugout. Bryce Harper and the Phillies' bench took issue with the taunting and rushed the field. Both benches cleared and the bullpens emptied.
Bryce Harper lost it at Rockies pitcher Jake Bird after he mocked the Phillies bench. Harper flew out of the dugout after him. pic.twitter.com/maF8Njm4XH
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) May 14, 2023
After the scuffle subsided, Harper and Bird were ejected from the game. Tensions were high and Harper defended his club and teammates as a team leader would. Harper went on to say after the game:
"I get emotional, I understand getting fired up for an inning and stuff like that. But once you make it about a team or make it about yourself and the other team, that’s when I’ve kind of got a problem with it."via Todd Zolecki, MLB.com
Thomson defended Harper after he was asked about the incident after the game. Thomson was proud that Harper stuck up for his teammates.
Harper has been a catalyst for the Phillies on and off the field since he signed with the club in 2019. While he is not always a vocal leader, he has consistently led by example. Harper has become a Philadelphia fan favorite since his arrival. He has shown grit and tenacity in the way he plays the game. He does not make excuses and is about as resilient as they come— as demonstrated by his super-human recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Every team wants a player like Harper. He is an MVP caliber player on the field, always demonstrates a winning attitude, and is a teammate that any player would want in their corner. The Phillies are lucky to have him locked up through 2032.