The one to Utley was on an 0-2 pitch inside. Utley dives into the plate and it hit his hand. The one on Howard hit him on the arm. Given the circumstances I don't see it as being intentional. The umpire may have interpreted it that way because Howard had taken him deep in his last at bat, I doubt that was the case and hope it wasn't because I disagree with throwing at someone because they took you deep. I think that's a nag move but as I said, I don't believe it was intentional at all.
Lannan had also struck out Howard with men on base earlier. The Phillies were only ahead by one, which Acta was apparently telling the ump. Why would he intentionally hit TWO consecutive batters in his MLB DEBUT? The ump is being PAID to throw the game to Philadelphia, or he HATES all rookies in some kind of seniority-system union-pecking-order classless asinine prejudice.
I can't see the game now, but I wonder what Acta said that pissed off the ump. THIS was the right moment for his first ejection, because it disrespects the game of baseball, with a pitcher's debut involved.
