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Benches cleared in the ninth inning of the New York Yankees’ 4-1 road win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday after O’s outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from Yanks closer Clay Holmes.
MLB @MLB
Benches clear between the Yankees and Orioles in Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/gtEdYC2YGD
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde was enraged after the pitch and started pointing and walking toward the Yankees dugout before being stopped by New York catcher Austin Wells. Both benches cleared, though, as the situation escalated.
Hyde was ejected. Austin Hays replaced Kjerstad following the hit-by-pitch. Holmes then got the next two batters out for the save.
On paper, the hit-by-pitch appeared to be an accident. The second-place Yankees, who entered Friday in a 6-17 skid, were in desperate need of a win against the first-place Orioles. Holmes was in a save situation, and he had worked the count to 0-2. He also was pitching in the rain, which probably didn’t help his grip.
But obviously, the Orioles weren’t going to be happy seeing a member of the team getting hit in the head with a 97 mph pitch. And tensions were high in a competitive game against two teams fighting for the AL East.
Looking at the postgame reaction, Kjerstad’s health is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an immediate postgame update.
Jacob Calvin Meyer @jcalvinmeyer
Heston Kjerstad appeared in the Orioles’ clubhouse after tonight’s game, but the team did not make him available to speak.
Brandon Hyde said postgame that Kjerstad was “getting tested” and that Hyde is “hoping he’s OK.”
Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman offered his well-wishes.
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Marcus Stroman sends his best wishes to Heston Kjerstad pic.twitter.com/Zqf2ftzVxa
Hyde spoke about the moment afterward.
Jacob Calvin Meyer @jcalvinmeyer
Brandon Hyde on what happened in the 9th that led to the benches clearing:
“It’s an emotional time at that time. I got my guy who just got hit right in the ear. I’m upset & then I see their dugout. They’re waving at me & yelling at me, so I just didn’t appreciate it at the time”
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge did as well:
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On the field right after Friday’s win, Aaron Judge talked with @M_Marakovits about the benches clearing, Gerrit Cole putting on a masterclass, and more. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/Jxl8BCqDUw
The Yankees and Orioles will play again in Baltimore on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. ET.
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