It is hard enough to go consecutive games without surrendering a run, but it makes it that much more difficult when opposing players insist the only reason it is happening is due to the help of the umpire. For Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke, the historical run to break Orel Hershiser’s record of 59 scoreless innings pitched will not come easy.

After blanking the Washington Nationals on Sunday while only allowing three hits, Greinke was forced to listen to Nationals slugger Bryce Harper’s unfair remarks about how the umpire was the only reason Greinke was able to continue his impressive streak.

“For me, I don’t think he was very tough,” Harper said, according to The Washington Post. “He’s a great pitcher. He does what he does.”

He then quickly made the point in that “when you’re getting 6 inches off the plate, it’s tough to face him.”

Greinke should be glowing after his 43 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, but instead, he had to hear about Harper trying to deflate his outing. Maybe Harper was upset he was two of Greinke’s season-high 11 strikeouts. It really does not matter because there is no denying Greinke is doing something that is incredibly rare.

The 31-year-old will have to get past the New York Metsif he wants to become only the fourth player in history to reach 50 straight scoreless innings. That should not be too difficult for Greinke when considering the Mets rank 29^th in the majors with just 317 runs this season.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.