Following a bunt single in the ninth inning of a 10-3 meeting between Canada and Mexico, a bench clearing brawl ensued Saturday during the World Baseball Classic involving the two teams. Canada's Rene Tosoni was hit in the back by a pitch from Mexico's Arnold Leon after three attempts and a gesture caught on tape showing third baseman Luis Cruz telling the pitcher to throw at the following batter.
Even after the brawls ended, Canadian itching coach Denis Boucher was hit in the face by a full water bottle thrown from the crowd. Canada shortstop Cale Iorg angrily threw the bottle back into the crowd.
Several police officers attempted to restore order and there were several skirmishes in the mostly pro-Mexico crowd of 19,581. Several players were ejected as umpires attempted to sort ot everything.
Former NL MVP and Canadian first base coach Larry Walker held back Mexico start Adrian Gonzalez during the altercation. Walker also attempted to retain Alfredo Aceves. "I had a hold of him and I thought I saw Satan in his eyes," Walker said.
Despite the altercation, World Baseball Classic Inc., has not handed down any suspensions for the players and managers involved due to one if not both clubs potentially failing to advance to the next round.
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