Things got feisty Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field during the rubber game between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees as benches cleared twice after Rays slugger Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch.
It happened in the eighth inning with Tampa leading the Yankees, 6-4, when Albert Abreu threw a 3-1 fastball that got Arozarena in the ribs and near his elbow.
The Rays slugger was frustrated and appeared ready to slam his bat before restraining himself, but began chirping at Abreu while being by the home plate umpire.
LISTEN TO YANKEES COVERAGE ON WFAN
Abreu was seen saying something back and soon the benches both cleared and things began to boil. Even managers Aaron Boone and Kevin Cash were jawing at each other.
Arozarena was the fourth Rays batter to be hit that game and the fifth of the weekend, which clearly caused him and the team to reach a breaking point.
Arozarena decided to send his own message back to the Yankees by stealing second and third. After the latter, he appeared to be saying something as he retrieved his helmet by shortstop, which elicited a reaction from Abrea.
This caused the benches to once again clear, although no ejections or punches were thrown again.
Arozarena would score on a sac fly later in the inning and the Rays would get the last laugh, holding on for a 7-4 victory.
After the game, Abreu said he was not trying to hit Arozarena intentionally.
It is not the first time Arozarena has taken exception to being hit by the Yankees. Back in May, after celebrating a home run, he was hit by a pitch and showed his frustration.
“Obviously, some tempers got going,” Boone said. “…when our guys get hit, even if it’s not on purpose, I don’t like it either. Unfortunately, sometimes it happens in the game and today it boiled over a little bit.”
MLB will likely be reviewing the incidents.