Reds fans learned firsthand just how explosive it can be to run onto the field at Great American Ball Park.
Multiple videos and photos taken inside the Reds’ home stadium in Cincinnati show a fan running onto the field during the bottom of the ninth inning of a 5-3 loss and approaching Guardians center fielder Tyler Freeman, before Freeman runs away and is eventually shot with a Taser by stadium officials.
The fan approached Freeman and appeared to say something to the outfielder, then ran off with his hands above his head and index fingers pointed toward the night sky.
A few feet away from the Guardians outfielder, the fan stopped, presumably unaware that a police officer was approaching, and did a backflip, knocking the officer’s hat off in the process.
Police tried to grab the fan but lost control and the Reds supporter, wearing a Johnny Bench jersey, started running again.
However, the officer fired his Taser, slamming the fan’s face into the ground.
The unidentified fan was then surrounded by police, who forced him to his feet and escorted him off the field through the outfield bullpen.
It is not clear at this time whether the fan will face criminal charges for his actions.
The Reds and Guardians are scheduled to play one more game on Wednesday to conclude the short two-game series.
The Guardians’ win improved Cleveland to 43-22 and extended their lead in the American League Central to five games.
The loss dropped Cincinnati to 32-35 and left them in third place in the NL Central Division.
