Bryce Harper & Jonathan Papelbon Have Quick Spat In Dugout

Bryce Harper and Jonathan Papelbon got into a fight in the Nationals’ dugout on Sunday, almost metaphorically capturing the disappointment and frustration with the team’s season.

Papelbon came into the game during the eighth inning after Washington blew a 4-2 lead to the Phillies and got the final out of the inning. He was in the dugout for the top of the ninth and got into it with Harper, who had flied out in the bottom half of the inning.

As Harper entered the dugout, sparks flew between them:

Papelbon remained in the game to pitch the bottom of the inning and allowed a 2-run home run to break the tie, while Harper exited the game, probably taking a moment to cool off.

There was already tension between the teammates after Harper complained about Papelbon throwing at Manny Machado, saying he was probably going to get hit in retaliation.

Jonathan Papelbon & Bryce Harper Fight in Nationals Dugout pic.twitter.com/PO9kvSYmev

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) September 27, 2015