Yahoo Finance Hitter attacks catcher with his bat during wild Venezuelan baseball brawl
One of the wildest brawls we’ve seen on a baseball diamond took place during Wednesday’s Venezuelan winter league game between Aguilas del Zulia and Caribes de Anzoategui.
Former MLB outfielder Alex Romero was ejected for attacking and striking Caribes catcher Gabriel Lino with his bat after objecting to a pitch that sailed behind him during the eighth inning.
A live YouTube stream allowed fans to watch the incident as it unfolded on IVC in Venezuelan. Several have since posted clips on Twitter.
We got a WILD brawl down in Venezuelapic.twitter.com/PQruRh5nmT
— Starting 9 (@Starting9) January 9, 2020
Six players, including Alex Romero, Gabriel Lino and Caribes’ pitcher Angel Nesbett, were ejected during the incident.
Minnesota Twins infielder Willians Astudillo was also ejected for his role. Astudillo (No. 37 in white) can be seen running in from his position at first base. It’s difficult to make out his role as the brawl escalated and nearly spilled into the stands.
The incident was a continuation of bad blood that had been brewing throughout the game. It initially boiled over in the seventh inning, when Caribes’ Cesar Valera was hit by the first pitch after Niuman Romero and Alexi Amarista had hit back-to-back home runs. The benches cleared then as well, leading to the ejection of three players and Caribes manager Jackson Melian.
In total, five batters were hit and nine were ejected stemming from the hostility. Fines and suspensions will surely follow. Romero, who played in 144 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks between 2008 and 2009, is likely to receive a significant ban.
After two lengthy delays, the game was completed. Caribes won the baseball portion of Wednesday’s event, 13-2.
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