The game between the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies took an unexpected turn in the first inning when Rafael Devers hit a towering two-run home run off left-hander Kyle Freeland. What seemed to be a routine play quickly turned into a chaotic episode, as Devers admired his shot for several seconds, threw the bat and slowly trotted to first base, which infuriated the opposing pitcher
Freeland began to shout at Devers while gesticulating with his glove to hurry up, the Dominican responded verbally and after touching first base, walked to the mound while the Colorado starter also approached and it was then when the benches were emptied and the situation escalated.
Chaos and ejections after confrontation between Rafael Devers and Kyle Freeland
The confrontation turned physical when Matt Chapman, the Giants’ third baseman, pushed Freeland, moments after Willy Adames from the infield had to intervene and ended up involved in the altercation. Rockies first baseman Kyle Farmer was one of the first to help contain the fight, but almost every player was involved in the melee, which moved toward second base.
Despite coach Clint Hurdle‘s attempts to calm Freeland down, Adames again lashed out with shouts, forcing the umpires to take drastic decisions. The umpire, Dan Bellino, announced the ejections of the pitcher, Chapman and Adames. However, Devers was not penalized and was able to complete his run around the bases almost eight minutes after hitting his 397-foot home run.
Giants secure victory and extend home run record
The game ended with a 7-4 victory for San Francisco and Devers’ hit also marked a historic moment for the franchise, which reached 16 consecutive games hitting home runs, equaling its record set in 1962 and 1963. In addition to the Dominican, Wilmer Flores, Casey Schmitt and Patrick Bailey also contributed home runs.
Despite losing two starters due to expulsion, the Giants adapted quickly, Devers took third base for the first time this season, Dominic Smith replaced Chapman at first base and Christian Koss moved to shortstop. The Rockies starter was relieved by Antonio Senzatela, while the game continued with a strong emotional charge and tension in every pitch.
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