Grit Index: Benches clear twice as D-backs lose to Dodgers
Jun 12, 2013, 6:23 AM | Updated: 6:23 am
The benches cleared twice, igniting a heated brawl that resulted in five ejections involving both players and coaches in the Diamondbacks’ 5-3 loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday night.
It all began when D-backs’ starter Ian Kennedy hit Dodgers’ rookie sensation Yasiel Puig near his nose. Puig was shaken up, but stayed in the game. The Dodgers retaliated in top of the seventh inning, when starter Zack Greinke hit D-backs’ catcher Miguel Montero.
The benches cleared, but no punches were thrown and both teams retreated to their respective dugouts.
But it didn’t end there. Not heeding the umpire’s warning the previous inning, Kennedy hit Greinke in the upper left shoulder in the bottom of the seventh inning. Kennedy was ejected on the spot, and benches cleared again.
This time a heated brawl ensued between both players and coaches, resulted in five ejections.
Despite the brawl taking over the headlines of the game, the D-backs did manage to take the lead in the eighth inning on an RBI single by Willie Bloomquist.
Unfortunately, the D-backs’ bullpen couldn’t hold the lead, and dropped the second game of the series to their divisional foe.
The Good:
Before Kennedy’s ejection, the D-backs’ right-hander delivered an impressive performance. Kennedy went 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with six strikeouts and two walks.
The Bad:
D-backs’ reliever David Hernandez (2-3) struggled with his control, walking the bases loaded in the ill-fated eighth inning. Hernandez surrendered a three-run double to Tim Federowicz, giving the Dodgers a 5-3 lead. It was the fourth blown save of the season for Hernandez.
Noted:
• Greinke had a month-long stint on the DL after breaking his collarbone in a brawl with the Padres’ Carlos Quentin on April 11.
• Besides Kennedy, the Dodgers’ Puig, Los Angeles hitting coach Mark McGwire, D-backs coach Turner Ward and Arizona manager Kirk Gibson all received ejections.
Up Next:
The D-backs and Dodgers will conclude their three-game series on Wednesday, June 12 at 7:10 p.m. MST. Left-hander Patrick Corbin (9-0, 1.98) will look for his 10th win for the D-backs. He will be opposed by fellow southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu (6-2, 2.72) for the Dodgers.
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