Things are not going well for the Phillies right now. Their frustration over their recent struggles was on full display in their latest loss, a 5-1 defeat to the New York Mets on Monday night.
The loss, their fourth loss in five games, featured outfielder Bryce Harper being ejected for the first time in a Phillies' uniform, and pitcher Jake Arrietta ripping both Harper and his teammates after the game.
Harper was ejected in the fourth inning for arguing with umpire Mark Carlson. Harper's frustrations appeared to begin during his on at-bat when a pitch he believed to be a high was called a strike. Then, when Cesar Hernandez was up to bat later in the inning, Harper saw another call he disagreed with -- and bolted out of the bullpen to confront Carlson.
There were some on-field fireworks at Citi Field as both Gabe Kapler and Bryce Harper argue with home plate umpire Mark Carlson.Bryce Harper has been ejected from the game. pic.twitter.com/KyM0M8GsMB
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 23, 2019Harper was ejected, leaving the game after just two at-bats. The Phillies' offense suffered because of it, finishing with just three hits and one run in the loss to the Mets, dropping their record to 12-10. They are now in a tie with the Mets for first place in the NL East.
After the game, pitcher Jake Arrietta -- who three runs in six innings -- called out Harper and his teammates for the poor showing.
"He's got to understand, we need him in right field. I don't care how bad the umpire is. He wasn't great for either side. I'm out there trying to make pitches, he misses some calls. So what? We need him out there. We were flat from start to finish," Arrietta said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. "Two-hour delay, it doesn't matter. We have to be ready to play. We weren't and it showed. It's troubling. I'm out there doing everything I can to win a game. I need my guys behind me and they weren't."
While it is just one game, the ejection and comments after the game certainly are a far cry from the amazing start to the season the Phillies had, when they were scoring at-will and celebrating everyday.
It will be interesting to see how the team handles the first bit of adversity they are now facing in this young season.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
