Bryce Harper probably is the best hitter in baseball right now, and he’s not all that impressed with the game’s best current pitcher.
Zack Greinke extended his incredible scoreless streak to 43 2/3 innings in a win over the Washington Nationals on Sunday and struck Harper out twice. Still, Harper thinks Greinke’s success was the result of some questionable calls from home plate umpire Bill Miller.
“I think he was okay. When you’re getting five to six inches off of the plate, you better win the game,” Harper said, per Chase Hughes of CSNWashington.com. “For me, I don’t think he was very tough. He’s a great pitcher, he does what he does, but when you’re getting six inches off the plate it’s pretty tough to face him.”
Harper at least gave Greinke well-deserved credit for being a great pitcher, but declined to give him too much credit since he’ll have to face him again soon this season.
“He’s a good pitcher. He’s doing what he’s doing to help that team over there, but I don’t want to give him too much credit because I’ve gotta face him again,” Harper said. “That’s the biggest thing. I don’t really want to give him too much credit because of that reason, but he’s a damn good pitcher.”
Harper’s frustration is understandable, especially since Greinke doesn’t need any more help from umpires. He leads the major leagues with an absurd 1.30 ERA and it almost seems impossible for teams to put runs across the plate when he takes the mound.
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