Yankees Beat The Red Sox (Literally!)
On Wednesday Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly made a bad decision. After intentionally hitting Yankee first baseman Tyler Austin, Kelly was treated to a bit more than just a “Bronx Cheer.” Kelly’s pitch was indisputably deliberate as it struck Austin ON HIS BACK. It wasn’t a “brush back” or an “expanding the strike zone” pitch. It came in at NINETY EIGHT MILES PER HOUR. It was a cruise missile. Austin took umbrage at Kelly’s impropriety and immediately charged the mound. Benches emptied from both sides of the field and an old fashion brawl ensued. Although Kelly could be seen getting a few punches in, he emerged from the melee bleeding and with his CLOTHES HALF OFF. Now THAT’S something you don’t see every day!
Now it must be admitted that Kelly’s pitch was in retaliation for Austin’s hard slide into second base earlier in the game. While most observers would call Austin’s slide aggressive play, it shouldn’t be considered “dirty pool”, as Austin had a mandate to break up a possible double play and the Red Sox second baseman, Brock Holt, WAS in Austin’s path. And, it should be noted that Austin was NOT penalized for the play.
The scuffle that Kelly’s pitch inspired, however, has sparked considerable controversy. Commentators, as well as players, spoke on both sides the issue. In my opinion the onus of blame rests on Kelly’s shoulders. Although a number of pitchers (including Pedro Martinez) said the would have done the same thing, I think Kelly remains at fault. Although there may be some rational for the Sox to throw at Austin, the 98 mph is the problem. While we can understand “tit for tat” against Austin, Kelly shouldn’t have tried to KILL HIM.
So, in my opinion, Kelly got what he deserved. And, as mentioned above, the Yankees, quite literally, BEAT the Sox. And, oh yeah, they went on to win the game. So, ladies and gentlemen, the historic Yankee/Red Sox rivalry, after a couple of years of relative tranquility, is back in full swing. And it’s only APRIL.