Watch: Harper, Strickland exchange punches after HBP

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper traded blows with San Francisco Giants reliever Hunter Strickland on Monday after the latter drilled Harper in the hip with a 98-mph fastball in the eighth inning.

Harper and Strickland were both ejected from the game following the incident that also cleared both dugouts.

After being hit by the pitch, Harper approached Strickland on the mound and threw his helmet in the direction of first base. Strickland then struck the first blow, though Harper retaliated seconds later with a right hook to the reliever's face.

While it's not known whether Strickland intentionally hit Harper with the ball, Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan notes Monday's encounter was the first time both players had squared off in an at-bat since the 2014 National League Division Series, when Harper hit a pair of long home runs off Strickland.