Tensions flared in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League during Game 2 of the winter league finals, with Yasiel Puig finding himself in the midst of the conflict.
The showdown unfolded when Maikel Garcia, shortstop for Tiburones de La Guaira, delivered a tie-breaking two-run homer in the eighth inning against Cardenales de Lara.
As Garcia celebrated his significant hit, he not only circled the bases but also engaged in verbal exchanges and pointed gestures toward the Cardenales dugout. The situation escalated when Garcia took a slow walk to home plate and engaged in celebrations with his teammates. Cardenales catcher Carlos Narvaez took issue with the spectacle and exchanged words with the Tiburones players near the plate.
This sparked a confrontation between players from both teams, leading to a prolonged period of pushing and shoving. The altercation intensified as Yasiel Puig, representing Tiburones, and a Cardenales player exchanged blows in foul territory. The chaos extended to involve more players, with Puig in the midst of the action, both delivering and receiving blows.
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Despite the heated exchange, no players were ejected according to the boxscore, although Puig was substituted for a pinch-hitter later in the eighth inning. This incident is not unfamiliar territory for Puig, who has previously been involved in notable brawls during his MLB career, particularly during his time with the Cincinnati Reds against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019.
Puig, a former MLB All-Star, showcased his skills in the game, finishing 2-for-4 with an RBI. Ultimately, Tiburones won the game 12-10, taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
