'It's go time': Strickland says he couldn't back down after plunking Harper

The dust has barely settled in the Bay Area following fisticuffs between San Francisco Giants pitcher Hunter Strickland and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper.

The second Harper came toward Strickland, the reliever wasn't about to back down, according to NBC Sports' Alex Pavlovic.

"It's go time," Strickland said. "You've gotta protect yourself and stand your own ground."

Strickland said after the game that he was trying to come inside on Harper because the outfielder has taken advantage of pitches over the plate in the past, according to Bay Area News Group's Andrew Baggarly. Problem was, he just went a bit too far inside.

"I've left the ball over the plate a couple times to him, and he's taken advantage of that. Obviously, I'd rather miss in than over the plate," Strickland said.