“Was unable to control my emotions in that play, and it turned out ugly” - When Yordano Ventura opened up on his heated argument with Adam Eaton
During an early season game in April during the 2015 season, Yordano Ventura started the game against the Chicago White Sox. With the two teams playing in the American League Central, these two often do not get along.
This was the case as things proceeded to get chippy earlier in the game after Ventura plunked Jose Abreu in the fourth inning. Chicago's pitcher, Chris Sale would retaliate and hit Mike Moustakas one inning later, and both sides were warned.
In the seventh inning, things reached the tipping point when Adam Eaton hit a comebacker to Ventura. Ventura fielded the ball and barked at Eaton before firing the ball to first.
Both teams came piling out of the dugout and the bullpen to get in on the action. After the game, Ventura opened up on what was going on in his head during that wild moment, per ESPN's Doug Padilla via ABC7 News:
"It was a messy situation. I got the ground ball and was unable to control my emotions in that play, and it turned out ugly."
Ventura stated that he was unable to control his emotions in what became an emotionally invested game. However, Ventura pointed out that Eaton said something to him first:
"[Eaton] said something to me. I responded back to him. It wasn't my intention, but maybe he interpreted it from the way I fielded the ball."
This was not Ventura's only moment get into a heated exchange with another batter. Earlier in the season, he was ejected after hitting Oakland A's slugger Brett Lawrie.
After all of this, Adam Eaton respected Yordano Ventura
During the scuffle, umpires were quick to grab Adam Eaton and Yordano Ventura. However, others started getting in on the action which led to tons of swings and an eventual dogpile.
Ventura, Lorenzo Cain and Edison Volquez were ejected on the Kansas City Royals side. For the White Sox, they lost Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija.
Funnily enough, the game would not be decided in nine innings. This one went into extras. Eric Hosmer became the hero, hitting a go-ahead double in the 13th inning. The Royals went on to beat the White Sox by a score of 3-2.
The 2015 season ended up being one of Venutra's best. He compiled a 13-8 record with a 4.08 ERA, leading KC to a World Series title.