That's only news, of course, because the pitcher on the mound was Cole Hamels, who welcomed the rookie to the big leagues with a pitch to the back in their last meeting on May 6.
The Nationals visited Philadelphia for a three-game series this week, with Harper and Hamels getting a chance to reacquaint themselves in the final game on Wednesday.
Hamels kept his pitches toward the plate in the first inning, and Harper flew out to left on a 1-1 count. Harper batted again in the fourth and took first on an eight-pitch walk. He then tagged up twice on long foul balls, nabbing extra bases to get himself to third before Hamels finished off the inning.
Harper's last meeting with Hamels included an extra base of a different kind — the rookie stole home during the same inning he reached base on the beanball.
Harper also singled in the sixth and grounded out in the eighth.
Hitting an opposing player happens often enough, but Hamels' move earlier this month drew more attention after the lefty said he intended to hit Harper as a way to welcome the youngster to the big leagues.
Hamels was suspended for five games (or one start) the next day.
The suspension sparked a flurry of opinions from those who liked the old-school move from Hamels and others who worried about what it means for safety in the game.
Not much payback is expected Wednesday night, as Hamels already got a retaliatory beaning, and Harper stole home on him.
