The Milwaukee Brewers lost the last game of their series against the Boston Red Sox 2-1. Fortunately, they had already won the first two games on Friday and Saturday, securing the series triumph. Milwaukee returns home from a 4-5 road trip to face the Craig Counsell-led Chicago Cubs in a four-game series at American Family Field. It will be Counsell’s first series in Milwaukee since leaving to become the Cubs’ manager.
The Brewers’ loss to the Red Sox on Sunday was low-scoring, but it was not without fireworks. In the seventh inning, first base coach Quintin Berry had to be removed to the dugout following a shouting confrontation with Boston relief pitcher Chris Martin. Milwaukee has been involved in bench-clearing incidents four times this season.
No fists were thrown, and no one was expelled, unlike the Brewers’ previous altercation with the Tampa Bay Rays, which resulted in a few suspensions.
What Caused the Benches-Clearing Incident Between the Milwaukee Brewers and Boston Red Sox?
The top half of the seventh inning ended with Christian Yelich grounding out to first base. Martin, who dashed over to hide the bag, shouted something to or towards Berry, who had a violent reaction.
As expected, Martin was upset when the Brewers attempted to bunt their way on base a few occasions. Following the game, he informed reporters:
“I probably said some things under my breath. That was kind of directed at that inning. I’ll let you all determine what those things were. Heat of the moment. They bunted twice. You see there they bunted there at the end of the game. I didn’t like it. I know it’s part of the game. … I let ’em know. In this league, swing the bat.”
The Brewers had eight hits on the day, none of which were bunt singles.
Milwaukee Brewers Manager Pat Murphy Warns Teams that They Will Stand Up for Themselves
If there is one difference between the old Counsell-led Brewers and the one managed by Pat Murphy, it is that this year’s squad plays with a lot more grit and intensity.
Following the game, he made it clear to media (and the rest of MLB) that his club will not tolerate any type of aggression.
“I believe their pitcher expressed some passion, and our team saw it for a personal attack. I’m not sure if it actually was or not. I’m not going to speculate about what the kid was doing. However, if you say it while staring at someone, it could be taken as a direct address to them.
“But if you’re staring at somebody and you’re saying it, it could be interpreted that you’re saying it (to us). So you know, we take offense to you yelling at us and saying something and making it personal. We’re going to stand up for ourselves.”
Milwaukee has already been a part of four bench-clearing incidents this season, one of which resulted in punches (or slaps) thrown and a few suspensions. Based on the way they are approaching their season and how Murphy warns they will react in certain situations, it likely will not be the last.
