Harper hit, Votto has fit as Nats, Reds split

Back-and-forth hit-batsmen stir angst

WASHINGTON — Nationals slugger Bryce Harper got hit by a pitch and soon left the field. Then Reds star Joey Votto got hit and immediately went off — on the Nats.

The second game of a doubleheader turned testy Saturday after two former National League MVPs got plunked during Washington’s 6-2 win for a split.

The Reds won a tame opener 7-1 before tempers flared.

In the sixth inning of the nightcap, Harper was hit in the right kneecap by Austin Brice. The Las Vegas native initially struggled to put weight on his leg but ultimately went to first base.

But Harper labored defensively chasing after a double by Mason Williams in the seventh and immediately was replaced in right field by Adam Eaton.

“It hurts,” Harper said. “I’ll see where I’m at (Sunday) and go from there.”

In the eighth, Votto was hit for the second time in the game, nailed in the leg by Ryan Madson’s first pitch.

Votto gestured at 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.

Cincinnati interim manager Jim Riggleman said the Madson pitch “certainly appeared (intentional). The only person who knows is the person who threw the pitch.”

That person said the Reds had the wrong read. “No. I didn’t mean to hit him,” Madson said. “Definitely didn’t mean to hurt him. Hopefully he’s OK.”

Votto, who also was hit in the first inning, remained in the game. He was not available to reporters afterward.

Washington’s Spencer Kieboom was hit in the seventh.

Anthony Rendon had two RBI doubles and Matt Adams homered in the second game for Washington. Jose Peraza led off 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 Washington, which has won four of five.

In the opener, Cincinnati starter Anthony DeSclafani (5-3) allowed one run in seven innings. The Reds had six runs and 10 hits against Gio Gonzalez (6-8), who lasted 3 2/3 innings in losing his seventh straight decision.

Phillip Ervin hit a three-run homer and Brandon Dixon a solo shot as the Reds snapped a three-game skid.

Alex Brandon The Associated Press Nationals first-base coach Tim Bogar tends to Bryce Harper after the Las Vegas native was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning of Washington’s 6-2 win over the Reds.