“That escalated quickly. Clearly unintentional” - Marcus Stroman backs Clay Holmes, sends wishes to Heston Kjerstad after Yankees vs. Orioles brawl
Emotions were high during the ninth inning between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. With the latter trailing 4-1, Yankees closer Clay Holmes was on the mound to put a lid on the game. After retiring the first hitter, Heston Kjerstad came to the plate.
Holmes' 96.8-mph sinker struck the helmet of Kjerstad, leaving everyone surprised, particularly Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, who immediately went up to check on the hitter. He started exchanging words with Holmes, who was only trying to ask for the well-being of the hitter. Soon things escalated as Hyde stormed towards Yanks' dugout and in no time benches got cleared.
Upon learning about the incident, Yankees ace Marcus Stroman went on social media to express his concern for Kjerstad and also claimed that it was unintentional from Holmes.
"That escalated quickly. Clearly unintentional by Clay. Good win for the boys. Hoping and praying Kjerstad is all good. On to the next," Stroman wrote in his story.
The altercation saw Hyde being tossed out of the game while Kjerstad was replaced by pinch runner Austin Hays. Kjerstad is said to be in concussion protocols.
Brandon Hyde on what set him off during Yankees-Orioles bench clearing incident
After the game, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde spoke about what set him off to start the altercation and the eventual brawl.
“It’s an emotional time. My guy just got hit right in the ear. I’m upset, and then I see their dugout waving and yelling at me, so I just didn’t appreciate it," Hyde told Yahoo Sports.
Reigning Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole registered another stellar start, throwing six innings for one run while striking out seven. The game also saw captain Aaron Judge swing to extend his lead to 33 home runs on the season.
This was the Orioles fourth straight loss as the Yankees won the three-game series opener 4-1 at Camden Yards. Two more games are to be played on Saturday and Sunday.
The Yankees (57-39) are currently trailing the Orioles (57-37) by one game. If they are able to win the series, they will retake the AL East division lead.