Things got heated during the Detroit Tigers 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night in a game that featured a benches clearing altercation after outfielder Torii Hunter was hit by a pitch and led to an umpire being under investigation for touching Hunter's face while trying to break everything up.
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According to ESPN, Hunter took exception to getting hit in the ribs by a 94 mph fastball by Orioles pitcher Bud Norris just one pitch after Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer to give the Tigers a 4-1 lead in the top of the eight inning. Hunter began jawing at Norris and both benches cleared.
Luckily, no punches were thrown after the dugouts and bullpens cleared when Hunter yelled at Norris while walking to first base and took some steps towards the pitcher's mound. During the incident, third base umpire Paul Nauert put his hand on Hunter's face briefly while attempting to calm him down.
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According to the report, Major League Baseball is investigating Nauert for touching Hunter's face. Baseball players are subject to suspension for touching umpires, and now the MLB is looking into a reverse situation. For what it's worth, Hunter didn't seem bothered by the contact.
"That's my guy," Hunter told The Detroit News of Nauert. "He was trying to cover my mouth. I've known him too long [to be upset]. He was just saying to me, 'C'mon, T. You're way better than that.' And he's right. I apologize to the fans for my reaction."
Hunter described the situation and said that his emotions got the better of him but he wasn't planning on charging the mound at Norris.
"It's like a pickup basketball game. There's a foul, and two guys argue," Hunter said via ESPN. "There's a lot of adrenaline going. Once you calm down and think about the situation ... it doesn't make sense. I'm too old for this stuff. I've got kids in college. I can't be doing that."
The Tigers and Orioles take the field for Game 2 of this three-game set tonight at Camden Yards in Baltimore.
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