MLB Ejection 008 - Ron Kulpa (1; Jorge López)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Nationals pitcher Jorge López (throwing at Pirates batter Andrew McCutchen) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Nationals-#Pirates game. With two out and none on, Pirates batter Bryan Reynolds took a first-pitch sinker from Nationals pitcher López for a hit-by-pitch. Ensuing Pirates batter McCutchen then took a 0-1 slider from Nationals pitcher López for a ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located head-high and inside, the call was irrecusable. Warnings had not previously been issued. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 6-1.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9) Comment (Intentionally Pitch at Batter): "To pitch at a batter’s head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It should be—and is—condemned by everybody. Umpires should act without hesitation in enforcement of this rule."

This is the 8th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 4th player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 3 Managers, 1 Coach, 4 Players.

This is Washington's 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL East (WAS 1; ATL, MIA, NYM, PHI 0).

This is Jorge López's 1st ejection since May 29, 2024 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 1st ejection since July 21, 2023 (Alec Burleson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 4/16/25 | Video as follows:

Alternate Link: López ejected after conference, bench clearing, for throwing at McCutchen's head