Mike Krukow explains that Bochy was upset when Posey got hit because Mattingly looked over at Posey after Brinson got hit and said “You’re next.”
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 20, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO — In the first two innings of Tuesday night’s matchup, two players were plunked, both benches were issued warnings, and both Marlins starting pitcher Dan Straily and manager Don Mattingly were ejected. Tensions have boiled over from an emotional series opener between the Giants and Marlins Monday night.
On Tuesday, Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson was beaned on the first pitch of his opening at-bat. The home plate umpire issued warnings to both benches. Mattingly argued the call for about a minute and was later ejected. As he walked toward the Marlins dugout, he told Giants catcher Buster Posey, “you’re next,” according to Mike Krukow.
A half inning later, Posey was plunked on the first pitch. Straily was promptly tossed from the game. Giants manager Bruce Bochy, uncharacteristically incensed, stormed the field and yelled at the umpires. He was steaming in the dugout for the ensuing minutes.
All of this circles back to San Francisco’s 5-4 loss Monday night. In the ninth inning, Giants closer Hunter Strickland threw high and inside on Brinson in the first pitch of his at-bat. Three pitches later, he singled to tie the game 4-4, continuing a Marlins rally that eventually produced another run, ultimately leading to a 5-4 win over the Giants.
Brinson flipped his bat and apparently yelled at Strickland as he ran to first base. Minutes later, as Strickland exited the game, the two chirped at each other. Strickland was so enraged that he later punched a door, fracturing his hand and sidelining him for an estimated 6-8 weeks.
This is the second time in fewer than a week’s span that these teams have matched up.