Monday’s game between the Royals and Diamondbacks featured fireworks and retaliation.
Kansas City superstar Bobby Witt Jr. came to bat in the bottom of the sixth inning of a Royals game that was won 10-4, one at-bat away from hitting for the cycle, but with the score at 9-3, he was hit in the hand by a 92 mph sinker on the first pitch of his at-bat, infuriating the hometown fans and veteran catcher Salvador Pérez.
Witt, who scored in the inning, calmly walked to first base, but infuriated fans erupted in the stadium with boos directed at Diamondbacks pitcher Humberto Castellanos.
But emotions really erupted when Royals pitcher John Schreiber hit catcher Gabriel Moreno with a 92 mph sinker in the seventh inning with the score at 10-3.
Moreno was upset and threw his bat away, but then seemed to understand why he was hit and ran to first base.
“We knew this was coming,” Royals announcer Denny Matthews said on the broadcast.
As the umpires met to discuss what had happened, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo ran onto the field and both teams were given warnings.
When Lovullo was sent off for verbally abusing the managers, Perez shouted at them.
Both of their rages stemmed from Witt being beaten.
Perez maintained there was intent behind the pitch.
“To be honest with you, I don’t like the way it looks,” Perez said. According to MLB.com:“3 hits in 3 at bats, aiming for a cycle hit…
“I’m going to protect Junior.”
But Ruvolo maintained that his anger stemmed from the umpire’s belief that his team had in fact cornered Witt, and he wanted Perez to know that.
“What I said was, ‘If you’re in your right mind and you think I’m going to ask our team to take the future of major league baseball, one of the best players in major league baseball, you’re crazy,'” Lovullo told MLB.com. “And you’re not in control of this situation. And you’re wrong. That’s what I told him.” [home-plate umpire] Jordan Baker, and I wanted Salvy to hear that. I wanted him to take that back to the dugout and understand that’s how I feel. And that’s how I feel about Bobby Witt Jr. He’s an unbelievable player.”
After the game, Perez showered Royals star Whitt with Gatorade to congratulate the rising star on his outstanding performance tonight and over the past few games.
Royals star Whitt has been on a mission in his 14 at-bats since the All-Star break and isn’t feeling any Home Run Derby hangover.
Witt gave up 12 hits, struck out zero and swung only once.
After the game, Witt spoke to fans who had predicted he would hit for the cycle before the game, but was unable to do so due to a hit by pitch.
Witt hit a fly ball to right field in his final at-bat of the game.
