A hard slide and tag at second base sparked a brief benches-clearing incident during Thursday's Royals-Yankees game, adding fuel to an already heated rivalry.
Tensions ran high as the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees engaged in a heated benches-clearing incident during their ALDS Game 4 matchup on Thursday. The melee stemmed from a hard slide and tag at second base that left Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia visibly upset.
The incident unfolded in the sixth inning when Michael Massey of the Royals hit a grounder to first baseman Jon Berti. Berti touched first base before firing over to second baseman Anthony Volpe. Garcia slid hard into the bag, and Volpe's tag connected solidly with Garcia's chest.
Tensions Flare in Kansas City as Tag Spars Yankees and Royals
In an apparent apology for the rough tag, Volpe patted Garcia several times. However, Garcia was not receptive and exchanged words with Volpe.
Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who had previously made disparaging remarks towards the Royals, approached Garcia. Volpe and starting pitcher Gerrit Cole also joined the fray. The benches and bullpens emptied as the teams exchanged heated words and gestures.
Tensions Flare in Kansas City as Tag Spars Yankees and Royals
Chisholm, in particular, had to be restrained by his teammates. The incident echoed past confrontations between the two teams, most notably the legendary 1977 brawl between George Brett and Greg Nettles.
It is unclear whether the incident will have any lingering effects on the series. By the time of writing, the Yankees were leading 5-1 with just 10 outs remaining in the game.
Tensions Flare in Kansas City as Tag Spars Yankees and Royals
The Yankees had been cruising, with Cole allowing only one run through his first six innings of work. Giancarlo Stanton also continued to shine for the Yankees with an RBI single in the sixth inning. Juan Soto and Gleyber Torres also contributed RBI singles.
A win in Game 4 would send the Yankees to their fourth ALCS since 2017. However, the Royals showed signs of life with Bobby Witt singling and scoring on a Vinnie Pasquantino double after the benches-clearing incident.
As the series moves to Game 5, the Yankees will have a chance to clinch a berth in the ALCS. However, the Royals will be determined to force a Game 6 and keep their championship hopes alive.
