Royals starter Yordano Ventura pitched inside to Orioles third baseman Manny Machado on at least one occasion during Tuesday’s game at Camden Yards. Machado, understandably, was none too happy, so he shouted a few words to Ventura after flying out to end the second inning.
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Ventura, as he is wont to do, retaliated by intentionally drilling Machado in the fifth inning with a 99 MPH fastball. Machado dropped his bat and removed his helmet, then charged the mound and threw at least one punch at Ventura before the two fell to the ground and were surrounded by members of both benches. Both Machado and Ventura were ejected.
Given that Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor was recently suspended eight games for punching Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Machado given a similar punishment. Rangers pitcher Matt Bush, who intentionally hit Bautista with a pitch, was not suspended, but given Ventura’s history, he might still end up sitting out a game or two while forking over some pay.
The Orioles responded by scoring three times after order was restored. Mark Trumbo hit a two-run home run to center field and Chris Davis followed up with a solo shot to right-center to make it an 8-1 game.
