MLB Ejection 027: John Hirschbeck (1; Bryce Harper)

3B Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Nationals LF Bryce Harper for arguing a check swing (swinging) strike three call in the top of the 1st inning of the Nationals-Pirates game. With two out and none on, Harper

Hirschbeck, in mid-ejection mechanic.

attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 curveball from Pirates pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. Replays indicate regardless of Harper's attempt to strike the ball (he did offer at the pitch), the pitch was located thigh high and over the inner half of home plate (px .155, pz 1.643, sz_bot 1.500), the call was correct on both accounts.* At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s first ejection of 2013.
John Hirschbeck now has 4 points in the UEFL (0+2+2=4).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 3 points in the Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-6-a: "Quality of Correctness is governed by the (in)correctness of the call made, not by the quality of reasoning given for such a call." The correct call of strike three was ultimately made.

Still frame of Harper's check swing.

This is the 27th ejection of 2013.
This is the 13th player ejection of 2013.
This is the Nationals' 1st ejection of 2013, T-1st in the NL East (ATL, PHI, WAS 1; MIA, NYM 0).
This is Bryce Harper's first ejection since August 29, 2012 (CB Bucknor; QOC = Y).
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since September 19, 2010 (Ron Gardenhire; QOC = N).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/5/13
Video: After HP Umpire Bob Davidson appeals to 3rd, Hirschbeck rings him up, throws him out (WAS)
Video: Following the TV break, MASN recaps Harper's helmet toss, Hirschbeck's heave-ho (WAS)