Benches Clear In Giants-Phillies Game After Kyle Harrison Throws At Bryce Harper

Benches cleared during the San Francisco Giants game against the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday. Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison nearly hit star slugger Bryce Harper with two straight pitches in the fourth inning, almost causing an altercation between the two teams.

On a 1-2 count in the top of the fourth, Harrison threw his first fastball high and inside, eliciting a complaint from Harper before he stepped back into the box. Harrison responded by throwing another fastball high and inside, hitting the knob of Harper’s bat as he tried to twist out of the way for an incidental foul ball.

Though both benches cleared under the assumption that the second inside pitch had hit Harper, umpires and other cooler heads managed to prevent a physical dispute. Harper eventually grounded out to end the inning after things settled down.

For all of the controversy he caused, Harrison was decidedly casual about his part in the disagreement between him and Harper after the game. In fact, the 22-year-old pitcher stood by his actions and even doubled down. 

“I would have gone in again. Why not?” Harrison said. “We’re trying to get guys out, and it’s a spot where I thought I could get him. It might have leaked a little bit too in, but really just focused on the baseball side [of things] and tried to execute.”

Despite getting out of the fourth inning, Harrison did not have his best outing against Philadelphia, allowing four runs on 12 hits in five innings of work. San Francisco went on to lose 6-1. With a 4-2 record through 12 starts, however, Harrison has still done enough this season to keep his spot in the rotation.

Meanwhile, Harper and the Phillies needed to win their final game against the Giants to avoid a three-game sweep and keep the stalling Braves at bay in the N.L. East. Philadelphia currently has a 39-18 record this season, which is good for a six-game lead in the division.