Bryce Harper Ejected for Arguing Balls and Strikes, Slamming Helmet

The Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals played 11 innings Saturday, but Nationals star Bryce Harper was not around for the entire game.

The reigning National League MVP was sent on his way after furiously arguing a called third strike in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Harper was rung up on a 2-2 pitch that appeared to be outside. Not happy with the call, the four-time All-Star immediately turned to home plate umpire Mike Winters to give him a piece of his mind, slamming his helmet down in the process.

And Harper's hair flowed wildly during the confrontation:

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

After the game, Harper explained what led to his outburst, per Jamal Collier of MLB.com:

"

I was reading [the ball] all the way in. If you look at the tape, I was looking down at the ball the whole way into the glove and it was just, you know, it was off the plate. I could possibly see one more pitch and maybe hit a homer or a double or walk -- I could even strike out. But I just wanted to see that last pitch, and I never got there.

It just shouldn't happen. Just bad behind there. It's not a strike.

"

That's understandable. One of the most dangerous hitters in baseball wanted a chance to try to win the game, but a questionable call took the bat out of his hands. While his team would have been better off with him in the game, Harper let his emotions get the best of him.

Harper didn't miss much, however. The Rockies exploded for five runs in the top of the 11th for a 9-4 victory.

[MLB.com]