It was certainly brave but probably not wise. Still, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Amir Garrett provided a highlight for the ages Tuesday night when he charged the entire Pittsburgh Pirates dugout by himself, landing a couple of punches before the mass of opponents overwhelmed him.
The incident came in the ninth inning of a lopsided Pirates victory. It also involved Reds manager David Bell, who already had been ejected, and outfielder Yasiel Puig, who had been traded to the Indians during the game.
Former St. John’s forward Amir Garrett just took on the entire Pittsburgh Pirates team. I’ve never seen anything like this. pic.twitter.com/tqNAf3YZRA
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) July 31, 2019
The build-up
The Reds and Pirates had an earlier fight this season when the Reds’ Derek Dietrich admired a home run he hit for what Pittsburgh felt like was far too long.
When Dietrich entered the game in the eighth inning Tuesday, Pirates reliever Keone Kela hit him with a pitch. Also in the eighth inning, umpires ejected Bell for arguing balls and strikes.
Words were exchanged between Kela and Reds first baseman Joey Votto between innings, and then the Reds got some revenge. With the first pitch of the ninth inning, Jared Hughes hit Starling Marte, earning himself and Reds bench coach Freddie Benavides ejections.
It wasn’t over. Garrett relieved Hughes and later gave up a three-run homer to Jose Osuna. During the ensuing mound visit, Pirates players, including starting pitcher Trevor Williams, chirped at Garrett, who didn’t take that kindly.
Some lingering tensions between the @Reds and Pirates have resurfaced.#BornToBaseball pic.twitter.com/lAqU9KPXAL
— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) July 31, 2019
The blow-up
Garrett, a former St. John’s basketball player, finally decided he had had enough and charged at the Pirates team — all of it. He landed two punches before Kyle Crick and a couple of teammates wrestled him to the ground.
It wasn’t long before both benches joined in. Puig, who was in trade talks being finalized at that very moment, forced his way into the action. Bell emerged from the clubhouse and sprinted over to exchange angry words with Pirates manager Clint Hurdle.
The teams play seven more times this season, and several players on both sides say the feud isn’t over. The Reds are upset the Pirates continue to throw at their players, particularly Dietrich, and the Pirates are upset at the retaliation and attitude from the Reds.
Amir Garrett vs. The Pirates.
#Reds @Amir_Garrett pic.twitter.com/o3o1brNdiL— Sam Greene (@SGdoesit) July 31, 2019
(h/t Associated Press)
