Benches cleared after Rockies pitcher Jake Bird clapped his glove at a furious Bryce Harper

Big “HOLD ME BACK” energy.

It was a frustrating afternoon all around in Denver for Bryce Harper, and Rockies reliever Jake Bird managed to end Harper’s day early.

With the Rockies up four runs in the seventh inning, Bird worked around two walks to get out of the inning with no runs allowed. As he was walking off the mound, Bird appeared to say something to the Phillies dugout. Harper clearly did not appreciate Bird talking trash after a shaky performance, but he could have let it go.

Instead, Harper emerged from the dugout to shout back at Bird, and the Rockies pitcher responded by clapping his glove mockingly at Harper — not exactly a way to de-escalate a situation.

That led to the benches and bullpens clearing as both teams tried to separate Harper and Bird. As far as an altercation, it was mostly shouting. It didn’t escalate beyond that or become an actual basebrawl. Both Bird and Harper would get ejected for their part in the scrum.

MLB fans also had thoughts on that scene in Denver.
MORE:

[affiliatewidget_deal1]