During Wednesday night’s Orioles-Nationals game at Nationals Park, Manny Machado hit his 30th homer of the year in the 7th inning, a 435 foot blast that put Baltimore in front 4-3.
Machado reacted with all the exuberance you’d expect from a 23-year old.
This pissed off Jonathan Papelbon, who decided to throw at Machado when he came up in the ninth. Real bright move when your team is fighting for its playoff life and down one, Jon!
Matt Williams and Papelbon both denied there was any intent. Of course.
Matt Williams says it was Max Scherzer all the way against Machado. No intent from Pap. Doesn't like Bryce Harper bunting late. #Nats
— Chris Johnson (@ceejjohnson18) September 24, 2015
Jonathan Papelbon said he wasn't throwing at Manny Machado and had no problem w Machado's reaction to homer. #Nats
— Chris Johnson (@ceejjohnson18) September 24, 2015
Papelbon said he was trying to pitch. But also went meta: "Perception is reality. If Manny thinks I hit him, that's what he thinks."
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) September 24, 2015
Max Scherzer didn’t have a problem with Machado’s reaction to the homer.
Max Scherzer said he didn't see Manny Machado's reaction to homer but has no problem w celebration on big moment. #Nats
— Chris Johnson (@ceejjohnson18) September 24, 2015
But Bryce Harper? He seemed to think it was intentional, and is resigned to the fact that he’ll get hit tomorrow.
Bryce Harper called Papelbon hitting Machado "tired". He said he wouldn't be surprised to get hit tomorrow. #Nats.
— Chris Johnson (@ceejjohnson18) September 24, 2015
Bryce Harper: "Manny freakin hit a homer, walked it off and somebody drilled him. It’s pretty tired…I’ll probably get drilled tomorrow"
— Chris Johnson (@ceejjohnson18) September 24, 2015
Well…I guess we’ve got a rivalry on our hands. It’s a shame neither team is much of a factor in the playoff race anymore.
Also…how about that Papelbon acquisition, huh? Never a dull day with him around.
