04-12-2009, 06:41 PM
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Benches clear in Red Sox-Angels game
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—A high pitch from Josh Beckett to Bobby Abreu as time was being called touched off a bench-clearing incident in the first inning of Sunday’s game between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels.
With Chone Figgins at second base, one out and a 1-2 count on Abreu, Beckett remained in the stretch position for several seconds while getting the sign he wanted from catcher Jason Varitek. Just as plate umpire Paul Schreiber jumped out to call time, Beckett threw the ball over Abreu’s head as he backed out of the batter’s box.
Abreu said something to Beckett and was held back by Schreiber, then both dugouts and bullpens emptied. No punches were thrown, and the Angels were ordered back to the dugout by manager Mike Scioscia, who was in the middle of a conversation with crew chief Joe West when Beckett came off the mound and said something to Scioscia.
Suddenly, the benches and bullpens spilled onto the diamond again, and this time there was some pushing and shoving. Angels center fielder Torii Hunter was ejected by West and had to be restrained by teammate Howie Kendrick. Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher and reliever Justin Speier also were ejected.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—A high pitch from Josh Beckett to Bobby Abreu as time was being called touched off a bench-clearing incident in the first inning of Sunday’s game between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels.
With Chone Figgins at second base, one out and a 1-2 count on Abreu, Beckett remained in the stretch position for several seconds while getting the sign he wanted from catcher Jason Varitek. Just as plate umpire Paul Schreiber jumped out to call time, Beckett threw the ball over Abreu’s head as he backed out of the batter’s box.
Abreu said something to Beckett and was held back by Schreiber, then both dugouts and bullpens emptied. No punches were thrown, and the Angels were ordered back to the dugout by manager Mike Scioscia, who was in the middle of a conversation with crew chief Joe West when Beckett came off the mound and said something to Scioscia.
Suddenly, the benches and bullpens spilled onto the diamond again, and this time there was some pushing and shoving. Angels center fielder Torii Hunter was ejected by West and had to be restrained by teammate Howie Kendrick. Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher and reliever Justin Speier also were ejected.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->