Astros v Athletics: Ugly bench-clearing brawl erupts after Ramón Laureano hit with pitch
It was an ugly sight during the seventh innings of the Houston Astros v Oakland Athletics after an all-out bench-clearing brawl broke out. The incident occurred after outfielder Ramón Laureano was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game. With the Athletics well on their way to making it a clean three-game wash over the Astros, pitcher Humberto Castellanos pitched Laureano and the duo had a heated exchange.
It still seemed like they would walk away, however, Laureano charged at the dugout while hitting coach of the Astros and Alex Cintrón engaged him. This led to the murky fight and we're sure to be looking at hefty fines incoming from the MLB. Going by records, this is the second time the Astros have been involved in an out-and-out brawl. Previously, it was against the Dodgers that saw LA pitcher, Joe Kelly earn a massive eight-game sit out.
You can watch the video here:
Both the Astros and Athletics benches clear after Laureano was hit by a pitch pic.twitter.com/vu9oJORSdk
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken) August 9, 2020
Fans too have been fed up with the attitude and took to Twitter calling for the Astros to be put in check. They did express their sheer displeasure and hoped the MLB would take swift and necessary steps. They also opined the Athletics would be at the receiving end. "They're going to say the guy from Oakland instigated the fight and he will be suspended. I can almost guarantee it," a fan wrote.
They're going to say the guy from Oakland instigated the fight and he will be suspended. I can almost guarantee it
— Raphael Rodriguez (@NyyBkn13) August 9, 2020
This isn't what an Astros fan would probably not like to hear. "The entire A’s organization is gonna get suspended for 18 games but the Astros will get a standing ovation from Manfred when he’s done sucking altuve off on the pitchers mound, a fan tweet read.
the entire A’s organization is gonna get suspended for 18 games but the Astros will get a standing ovation from Manfred when he’s done sucking altuve off on the pitchers mound.
— TallBoy Ryan (@TallBoy_INF) August 9, 2020
The cheating fiasco the Astros were involved in wasn't forgotten. Earlier in the year, they were caught stealing signs electronically during the 2017 World Series Championship season. An investigation was launched and it ended with them being fined $5 million and losing first- and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021. "Astros are disliked everywhere they go. Teams and fans won't get over the cheating scandal by the Astros," a fan opined.
Astros are disliked everywhere they go. Teams and fans won't get over the cheating scandal by the Astros.
— Sean Mahon (@SeanMah26171702) August 9, 2020
It would indeed be sad if this incident is let go of and unfair treatment is meted out. All eyes are now on the MLB to take a strong decision.