The Nationals lost 8-5 to the Mets this afternoon in the first game of a critical three-game series at Nationals Park. It was noted on social media that a number of fans headed for the exits in the late innings. It was noticed by Nationals players. How do we know this? Well, National League MVP frontrunner Bryce Harper called them out on it after the game.
Harper when asked about the #Nats crowd: 'I mean, they left in the 7th. That was pretty brutal.'
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) September 7, 2015
Yikes. It was a bit surprising to see how empty the ballpark was in the ninth inning, as the game was still very much within reach, but this sort of talk is a losing battle for a player and one he should probably stay away from. If Harper and company are disappointed in the fans, imagine how disappointed the fans are in a team that has largely underachieved this season.
Harper went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts this afternoon. The Nationals are now five games back of the Mets in the National League East with 25 games to play.