Kris Bryant ejected for 1st time in career; both benches warned

CHICAGO -- Reigning National League MVPKris Bryantwas ejected from a game for the first time in his career, and both benches were warned after a series of hit-by-pitches between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.

The Cubs defeated the White Sox 7-2 despite striking out 17 times.

Bryant argued a strike three call from umpire Lance Barksdale in the bottom of the fourth inning as the 2-2 pitch from Carlos Rodonlooked inside. It was Bryant's third strikeout of the day, all coming with runners in scoring position. He argued for a moment, then began to walk away before saying something that got him kicked out.

After the game, Bryant said he was surprised by the ejection.

"It was a disagreement but I don't think it was too animated," he said. "I know [Barksdale] is trying to do the best job he can. I'm trying to do the best job I can. I feel like I only want to say something when I know for a fact [the call was bad].

"I had to do it. I had to stick up for myself."

Meanwhile, Cubs starter John Lackey hit three White Sox batters in the top of the fifth inning, bringing his total to four on the day. This led White Sox pitcher Chris Beckto retaliate in the bottom of the inning by hitting Cubs leadoff manIan Happ, forcing Barksdale to issue warnings.

Lackey is the second pitcher this season to hit three batters in an inning and the first since 2015 to hit four in a game. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, he's the first Cubs pitcher to hit four in a game since 1957.