In a tense matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, the benches cleared after a close call involving superstar Bryce Harper. The incident occurred when Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison threw two consecutive up-and-in pitches, narrowly missing Harper on both occasions.

Harper, who has had past experiences with being hit by pitches, did not take kindly to the close calls. The 31-year-old slugger barked at Harrison, expressing his frustration and concern for his safety. Harper has been hit in the face and thumb in the last three years, making his reaction understandable.

To add to the intensity of the situation, Harper was up to bat with runners on second and third in the top of the fourth inning. However, he ultimately grounded out to shortstop, ending the scoring opportunity for the Phillies.

This wasn't the first time Harper has had a confrontation with the Giants. Exactly seven years ago, during his tenure with the Washington Nationals, he charged the mound after being hit by San Francisco reliever Hunter Strickland. The incident resulted in a benches-clearing brawl between the two teams.

Harper's history with being hit by pitches is concerning, considering the significant injuries he has endured as a result. In April 2021, a 97 mph sinker from St. Louis Cardinals reliever Génesis Cabrera hit him in the face, forcing him to leave the game and undergo a CT scan. In June 2022, he suffered a fractured thumb after being struck by a 97 mph fastball from Blake Snell, which sidelined him for two months.

Despite these setbacks, Harper has been performing impressively this season. Currently hitting .267 with 13 home runs, 41 RBI, and 32 runs, he remains a significant contributor to the Phillies' success. With a .901 OPS, he has positioned himself as a contender for the MVP title.

The incident in Wednesday's game serves as a reminder of the potential risks athletes face while playing the game they love. As the tensions between teams rise, it's essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of players. Both the Phillies and Giants will look to move past this incident and focus on their continued pursuit of a successful season.