Simmering Anger Boils Over Into Giants-Nationals Brawl

KPIX- A simmering dispute between San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hunter Strickland and Washington National star Bryce Harper erupted into fisticuffs and a bench-clearing brawl Monday.

It was in the eighth inning when emotions stemming back to the 2014 National League playoffs reared their ugly head. Harper had hit a pair of homers off Strickland in those playoffs. After the star’s second shot, in Game 4, he stared at Strickland as he rounded the bases.

Monday was first time since 2014 that they both have faced each other in a game.

Down 2-0, the hard-throwing Strickland drilled Harper in the hip with a 98 mph fastball.

Harper pointed the bat toward Strickland, charged the mound and fired his batting helmet wide of the pitcher. They started to swing away and they each connected as the benches and bullpens emptied. At least two Giants players forcefully dragged Strickland from the middle of the brawl all the way into the dugout.

Eventually, the two were tossed from the game and may face suspensions from the league.