NEW YORK
Nationals slugger Bryce Harper was ejected in the 11th inning Friday against the Mets after taking a called third strike and screaming right in the face of plate umpire Jerry Meals.
"Just sticking up for my team, and myself, at the same time. He was bad all night," Harper said.
Harper, now 0 for 17 against Mets ace Matt Harvey, had reached base safely in a career-best 26 consecutive games before going hitless in five at-bats. The fourth-year outfielder has been tossed six times in his career, three this season.
"He needs to stay in the baseball game," manager Matt Williams said. "We talked about it. We'll talk about it again."
New fan favorite Wilmer Flores hit a leadoff homer in the 12th inning to give the Mets a 2-1 victory over Washington in the opener of a pivotal series between the top teams in the NL East.
