Benches Clear In White Sox-Tigers Game
(CBS) Both benches cleared Thursday at Comerica Park after Tigers reliever Luke Putkonen threw behind White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez in the top of the sixth inning.
The Tigers were apparently upset after White Sox starter Chris Sale threw up and in at Prince Fielder immediately after Miguel Cabrera hit a solo home run in the fifth inning. While the timing was curious, Sale reacted as if the pitch got away from him.
Ramirez was the second batter Putkonen faced after coming on in relief in the sixth. His fastball went straight behind Ramirez and the shortstop immediately reacted by pointing at the pitcher and walking toward him. Tigers catcher Brayan Pena restrained Ramirez and both benches and bullpens cleared without a punch being thrown.
Putkonen and Tigers manager Jim Leyland were tossed from the game and warnings were issued to both teams.
In 2000, the White Sox and Tigers got into a memorable brawl at U.S. Cellular Field. Just for fun, video of that brawl can be seen here (fast forward to the 1:17 mark):
