Washington Nationals Teammates McKenzie Gore, Nick Senzel Get Into Dugout Fight

There's just something about the Washington Nationals dugout, apparently.

After a very public disagreement between former closer Jonathan Papelbon and former Nationals superstar Bryce Harper started in the dugout, current Nats players MacKenzie Gore and Nick Senzel decided to do a little recreation of their own on Friday night.

The disagreement seemed to stem from a play Senzel failed to make in the top of the second inning. While hardly a routine grounder, Senzel backed up on a grounder right down the third base line and wasn't able to get the throw over to first in time to get the quick running Nick Fortes. That minor misplay cost Gore and the Nationals a run, with Tim Anderson coming in from third.

In between innings, Gore, the starting pitcher, seemed to go after Senzel in the dugout for not getting the out. The two shoved each other briefly before being separated by Nationals teammates.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: MacKenzie Gore #1 of the Washington Nationals pitches to the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Nationals Park on June 14, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Washington Nationals Dugout Fight Doesn't Add Up

Gore's anger towards Senzel is confusing, to say the least. While it wasn't the best play you'll ever see from a third baseman, it's rare for a pitcher to confront a fielder after a difficult opportunity doesn't go their way. 

The confrontation was made even more odd considering what happened afterwards. Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the third to take a 3-1 lead. Things snowballed from there, with the Nats adding four more runs in the third to open up a 7-1 lead. Another run in the bottom of the sixth made it 8-1, and Gore completed seven dominant innings to secure an easy win.

Intensity and desire to win are often valuable traits for baseball players, especially pitchers, but Gore's anger towards Senzel seems unwarranted.

And as Jonathan Papelbon says, take it to the tunnel.