Bryce Harper got ejected after a blown strike call during a key at-bat in the third inning against a high fastball clearly outside the zone. The count was 2-1, a pivotal moment in any at-bat based on league-wide and team-specific stats. Harper worked the count well early, but when the umpire called the high 2-1 pitch a strike, it shifted the odds heavily against him. MLB numbers show hitters fare far better after a 3-1 count than a 2-2 count, and Harper shines in those situations. He hits .364 with a .702 OBP after 3-1 counts, compared to just a .278 OBP after 2-2 counts. That bad call shut the door on Harper’s best chance in the at-bat.
Following the strike call, the pitcher threw a tough curveball that Harper chased. He tossed his bat, helmet, and gloves in frustration, leading to a brief back-and-forth with the ump. Harper didn’t appear to say anything excessive, but he was tossed anyway. He was visibly shocked, yelling that he didn’t say anything and calling the umpire “soft” on his way out. The ump claimed he had warned Harper, but the clip showed nothing obvious that justified an ejection. Harper never went nose-to-nose or crossed any clear lines. It looked like an overreaction from the umpire, and Harper let him know on his way to the dugout.