Harper, Votto hit by pitches as Nats, Reds split twinbill
Cincinnati slugger gets plunked twice during nightcap.
Nationals WASHINGTON — slugger Bryce Harper was forced to leave soon after being hit by a pitch, then Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto went wild when he got drilled Saturday night as Washington won 6-2 to split a doubleheader.
The Reds won a tame opener, 7-1. Things quickly turned testy in the nightcap.
Harper was hit in the right kneecap in the sixth by a pitch from Austin Brice. Harper initially struggled to put any weight on his leg, but ultimately made his way to first base.
But Harper labored defensively chasing after a double by Mason Williams in the seventh and was immediately replaced in right field by Adam Eaton.
In the eighth, Votto was hit for the second time in the game and gestured at pitch Ryan Madson as he took first base. After being retired on a forceout at second to end the inning, Votto waved at Washington’s dugout, prompting plate umpire Andy Fletcher to warn both teams.
Votto also was hit in the first inning. Washington’s Spencer Kieboom was plunked in the seventh.
Anthony Rendon had a pair of RBI doubles and Matt Adams homered in the second game for Washington. Jose Peraza led off the game with a homer for Cincinnati and Eugenio Suarez hit his 26th home run.
The Nationals scored single runs in each of the opening five innings against Matt Harvey (5-7). Jeremy Hellickson (5-2) pitched into the sixth for the Nationals.