Pedro Strop proved he can outmuscle Brandon Phillips

Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips and Cubs pitcher Pedro Strop had a classic battle of who can outmuscle the opposing player on Tuesday.

In the top of the seventh inning, Strop relieved Fernando Rodney and faced Phillips with two outs. Strop said he noticed Phillips trying to swing his hardest, and he wanted to throw as hard as he could against the Reds second baseman to prove a point.

Strop won the battle by striking out Phillips on five pitches, and the Cubs reliever let Phillips know.

The Reds second baseman thought Strop’s behavior was funny and gave a thumbs up as the Cubs reliever walked to the dugout.