Umpire hit by pitch, leaves Phillies-Nats game in ninth

WASHINGTON -- Home-plate umpire Brian Knight had to leave the game between the Phillies and Nationals in the ninth after he was hit in the head by a pitch from Nationals right-hander Blake Treinen.

With Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis at the plate and Odubel Herrera at first base, Nationals catcher Jose Lobaton was looking for Treinen's sinker to go down in the zone, but the pitch stayed up, missed Lobaton's glove and hit Knight, who fell to the ground even though he had his mask on.

"The ball stayed straight and then went up, which is different [than what I'm used to]," Lobaton said. "When I tried to catch the ball, it was too late. I feel sorry for the umpire. I hope he gets better."

After receiving aid from the Nationals' assistant athletic trainer Steve Gober, Knight left the game. Second-base umpire Larry Vanover replaced Knight behind the plate.

There is no word on Knight's condition. Vanover, who is also the crew chief, was not available for comment.