No warnings issued for Saturday’s Rays vs. Red Sox game

By Drew SilvaMay 26, 2012, 8:03 PM EDT
7 Comments

Rays manager Joe Maddon called the Red Sox coaches “weak” and “cowardly” after Friday’s plunking of Luke Scott, which sure looked intentional and led to both benches clearing. Bobby Valentine fired back Saturday, labelling Maddon and his crew “immature” and “out of control.”

With tensions running high, most assumed that Saturday’s home plate umpire Ed Rapuano would issue a pregame warning to both sides. But Rapuano apparently didn’t feel the need:

It’s not likely that the Rays and Red Sox — battling for victories in a wacky American League East — will engage in more drama Saturday night. But this isn’t the first time these two teams have expressed a dislike for each other. And Rapuano declined an opportunity to discourage the night’s pitchers from throwing inside.

Donaldson ejected for kicking dirt on plate after home run

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Associated PressSep 18, 2020, 10:46 AM EDT
1 Comment

Minnesota’s Josh Donaldson managed to get ejected while hitting a home run.

Donaldson barked at plate umpire Dan Bellino for the second time in the sixth inning of a 4-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

With the score 2-2, Bellino called a strike when the 2015 AL MVP checked his swing on a 2-0 pitch from Reynaldo Lopez.

Manager Rocco Baldelli came out to speak with Bellino, and Donaldson homered down the left-field line on the next offering. After rounding the bases, Donaldson kicked dirt at home plate as he crossed it.

Bellino ejected him immediately, and Donaldson, realizing he had missed home plate, returned to the plate to touch it and then argued as he kicked more dirt on it.

Donaldson also had argued with Bellino on a 1-1 breaking ball in the first inning that appeared to be high but was called a strike, leading to a strikeout.

“We need Josh on the field, out there playing, and at third base,” Baldelli said. “That’s when we’re at our best. And so that’s really the end of it. I think we can move past it at his point, and go from here.”

—

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports