Harper Homers Twice But is Ejected in Nationals Win

Nationals young phenom Bryce Harper had his first multi-homer game of his career, but was also ejected in the ninth inning. (Marc Serota) 

The NL East-leading Washington Nationals had been in a bit of a slide going into tonight's series finale at the Miami Marlins.They had lost five in a row and saw their lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East shrink to four games. Before tonight's game, Nationals manager Davey Johnson decided to give his players a pep talk. They had only totaled six runs during the five-game losing streak. This is not the time of year for the lineup to start going cold.

The Nationals responded to Johnson's message in a big way. They went off on the Marlins pitching to the tune of 8 runs on 14 hits. Their young hitting phenom, Bryce Harper, led the way offensively with two homers, making the game his first multi-home run game of his career. The accomplishment was great, but things went south in the ninth inning. Harper ended up hitting a ground ball that turned into a double-play. After he was called out at first base, he spiked his helmet and nearly hit first base umpire C.B. Bucknor. Bucknor rightfully ejected Harper immediately. After the game, Johnson told reporters that Harper lost his temper and was verbally reprimanded for his behavior.

The Nationals listened to Johnson's advice about hitting. Now, it is time for Harper to listen to what Johnson has to say to Harper about his temper tantrums. They are immature, embarrassing, and have no place in the game of baseball. Harper must learn to mature and to control his feelings. The Nationals need Harper in their lineup. There's no question about that. But if he is subjecting his place in the lineup to injury, ejection, and suspension, he is not doing what is best for his ballclub. Harper needs to mature and grow up. He needs to realize that when he does, he will become a more complete and better player.