Tensions flared dramatically on Friday during the ninth inning of an AL East rivalry game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Yankees were leading 4-1 and just two outs away from clinching a series-opening victory when Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad stepped up to bat. Facing Yankees All-Star closer Clay Holmes, Kjerstad quickly found himself down 0-2 in the count.
On the third pitch, Holmes unleashed a 97-mph sinker that struck Kjerstad squarely on the head, knocking off his helmet and sending him sprawling to the ground. The alarming incident necessitated Kjerstad’s replacement by pinch runner Austin Hays.
Pandemonium ensued almost immediately as players from both teams stormed the field.
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The confrontation escalated when Orioles manager Brandon Hyde clashed with Yankees catcher Austin Wells. A scuffle broke out, with punches being thrown amidst the chaos as players and staff from both sides converged near home plate. The altercation led to Hyde’s ejection from the game.
Despite the turmoil, Holmes managed to regain his composure and secure the final two outs, sealing the Yankees’ 4-1 victory and bringing them within one game of the Orioles for the AL East division lead.
This wasn’t the only managerial ejection of the day. Just an hour earlier, Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza was also ejected from his team’s game against the Colorado Rockies, marking a tumultuous day for MLB managers.
