For more than three weeks now, both the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees have been struggling, despite holding onto the top two spots in the AL East standings.
Their latest series before the All-Star break became especially heated.
During the Yankees’ 4-1 victory on Friday night, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was struck in the helmet by a 97 mph pitch from Yankees closer Clay Holmes. This incident led to a confrontation in the ninth inning, with benches clearing.
“There was some back-and-forth chirping. We’ve hit quite a few of their guys with pitches, and they’ve hit us,” explained Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. “Things just boiled over.”
Kjerstad was hit near the ear flap, causing a delay as medical staff tended to him. He left the game afterward. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde reacted by walking towards the Yankees’ dugout and pointing, which escalated tensions further.
Yankees catcher Austin Wells attempted to calm Hyde down, but this led to both teams’ benches and bullpens clearing onto the field.
There was some pushing and shoving before the situation settled down. Hyde was ejected from the game.
“My player took a direct hit to the ear,” Hyde expressed. “I was upset, and then I saw their dugout waving and yelling at me, which didn’t sit well with me at the time.”
Following the game, the Yankees expressed concern for Kjerstad’s well-being, while Hyde noted that the young outfielder was undergoing evaluation.
Rainy weather towards the end of the game likely affected the grip on bats and balls.
“It was a matchup between two strong teams. Both teams pitch aggressively inside, and the wet conditions made it tougher tonight,” commented Gerrit Cole, who started on the mound for the Yankees.
“Considering someone got hit in the head, I understand why Brandon was upset and defending his players.”
