Padres Fan Erupts in Anger Over 'Cheap' Pitch

A 66-year-old San Diego Padres fan voiced his displeasure over a high-and-inside pitch thrown by Washington Nationals pitcher Hunter Harvey, calling it "cheap" and "bush league."

The San Diego Padres' thrilling walk-off win on Monday night was marred by a heated confrontation between a Padres fan and Washington Nationals outfielder Jesse Winker. The incident stemmed from a controversial pitch thrown by Harvey to Padres batter Jurickson Profar.

With the Padres trailing by a run in the 10th inning, Profar drove in two runs with a ground-rule double. However, it was the 0-2 pitch that Profar faced that drew the ire of a fan in the stands.

Padres Fan Erupts in Anger Over 'Cheap' Pitch

Harvey's pitch was high and inside, buzzing Profar up and in. As the Nats ran off the field, the fan interrupted Winker, who was standing on the warning track.

The audio of the confrontation is difficult to decipher, but the fan can be heard calling the pitch "cheap" and "bush league." He also mentions his age, saying, "I'm 66 years old."

Padres Fan Erupts in Anger Over 'Cheap' Pitch

It is unclear if Profar took offense to the pitch, but the Nationals' broadcasters noted that he was shouting at the Nats' dugout as the ball dropped.

Profar's anger may have been fueled by an intentional walk to Luis Arraez one batter earlier. Arraez's walk loaded the bases, and Profar was clearly not happy about it.

Padres Fan Erupts in Anger Over 'Cheap' Pitch

"Jurickson Profar not celebrating by looking at his teammates, instead screaming at the Nationals' dugout for the intentional walk that loaded the bases, challenging him in that moment. So, some drama," a Nationals announcer said.

The heated words between Profar and the fan escalated the tension between the two teams. The benches cleared in the first inning of Tuesday's game after Profar and Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz jawed at each other.

MacKenzie Gore hit Profar with a pitch right after the altercation, but he was not ejected. Manny Machado retaliated with a long home run.

Profar's walk-off hit capped a four-run 10th inning for the Padres, who swept the Nats in the three-game series. The Padres completed the sweep with an 8-5 victory on Wednesday.

The incident between the Padres fan and Winker is a reminder of the heightened tensions that can arise between fans and players in the heat of competition. It also underscores the importance of sportsmanship and respect in the game.