A wild, bench-clearing dust-up between the Astros and Rangers led to multiple ejections on Friday night as things got heated in Game 5 of the ALCS.
The skirmish occurred after Rangers slugger Adolis García took a 99-mph fastball off his left arm on the first pitch from pitcher Bryan Abreu with Texas leading 4–2 in the bottom of the eight inning. The errant toss frustrated Garcia, whose epic sixth-inning home run gave the Rangers the lead.
García then began chirping with Astros catcher Maldonado, prompting both dugouts to empty as the altercation continued to escalate.
After tensions eventually settled, the umpiring crew elected to toss Abreu over the hit-by-pitch and García for his fired-up reaction. Moments later, Astros manager Dusty Baker was also ejected after vigorously protesting Abreu’s ejection.
Benches clear after Adolis Garcia was hit by a pitch 😳
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 21, 2023
(via @MLBONFOX)pic.twitter.com/YRvbzyDjFk
Bryan Abreu and Dusty Baker have been ejected from the game. pic.twitter.com/YbKtgv5JXZ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 20, 2023
Adolis García has been ejected from the game as well. pic.twitter.com/Dmd3zFr80j
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 20, 2023
The heated moment added to what’s been a tense ALCS between the two clubs as they look to secure a commanding 3–2 series lead ahead of Sunday’s Game 6.
