Phillies’ Cole Hamels Suspended Five Games For Hitting Nationals’ Bryce Harper

Philadelphia Phillies hurler Cole Hamels has been suspended five games for intentionally throwing at Washington Nationals rookie Bryce Harper last night, Major League Baseball has announced.

BREAKING: Phillies LHP Cole Hamels suspended 5 games and fined for intentionally throwing at Nationals OF Bryce Harper.

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  (@MLB) May 07, 2012

Hamels drilled the 19-year-old Harper in the back with a 93-mph fastball in the first inning of the Phillies’ 9-3 win at Nationals Ballpark. Harper later scored the first run of the game by stealing home.

Hamels openly admitted after the game to hitting Harper intentionally, telling reporters he did it because he’s “old school.”

Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann later retaliated by hitting Hamels in the leg.