Phelps, Mattingly ejected for arguing walk call

LOS ANGELES — Marlins reliever David Phelps, upset after close pitches were called balls in a walk to pinch-hitter Joc Pederson in the frantic eighth inning, was ejected by home-plate umpire Todd Tichenor on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.

Miami manager Don Mattingly also drew an ejection after arguing with Tichenor. Tempers boiled in the visiting dugout as the walk to Pederson filled the bases with one out in a game the Marlins managed to hold on to for a 2-0 win over the Dodgers.

“I’m trying to keep [Phelps] in the game,” Mattingly said. “Obviously, it’s just an emotional time. He’s trying to get that out. Things are going on. Guys are fighting. Guys are emotional. They want to win. I have no problem with that other than we’ve got to keep our emotions in check, and know when we have to stay in the game.”

The wild eighth inning started off calmly, as Miami starter Justin Nicolino took the mound at 94 pitches. He retired A.J. Ellis on a ground ball to second, and was replaced at 99 pitches.

From that point, the Marlins used four different relievers to face the next four batters. Bryan Morris walked pinch-hitter Chase Utley on four pitches, and Cody Ege walked pinch-hitter Yasmani Grandal on five …

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