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Bryce Harper, Jake Bird ejected as Phillies, Rockies clear benches
Bryce Harper and Jake Bird are at the center of a benches-clearing altercation between the Phillies and Rockies, leading to the ejection of both.
DENVER — Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was ejected from Sunday’s 4-0 loss at Colorado after charging at the Rockies’ dugout following the last out of the top of the seventh inning, setting off an altercation that cleared both teams’ benches and bullpens.
Harper appeared to respond to Colorado reliever Jake Bird, who clapped a hand against his glove and said something toward the Philadelphia dugout.
Harper was initially restrained by Rockies catcher Elias Diaz, then Phillies third-base coach Dusty Wathan prevented the two-time NL MVP from entering a group of players and coaches gathered near the first-base line.
Bird was also ejected. Harper, who returned to the NL champion Phillies on May 2 after recovering from Tommy John surgery, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the game.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson had been thrown out the previous inning after arguing with plate umpire Ryan Wills over a called third strike on Kyle Schwarber.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
