The Rays-Red Sox rivalry got a bit more spirited on Friday night, a 7-4 Rays victory.
It likely started last week, when Adrian Gonzalez and Will Rhymes were both drilled. On Friday night, however, things escalated. Dustin Pedroia took an apparent purpose pitch in the back, and then in the ninth Franklin Morales plunked Luke Scott (after throwing behind Scott earlier in the at-bat). At that point, benches cleared, words were exchanged and a number of under-card brawls almost broke out.
Here's just a taste ...
Afterward, Rays manager Joe Maddon was, shall we say, candid in his disapproval of the Red Sox's tactics (HT: Marc Topkin) ...
Maddon also took to Twitter to express his outrage:
Very proud of our effort 2nite. What occurred in the 9th reeked of intent. Was ridiculous, absurd, idiotic, incompetent, cowardly behavior.
— Joe Maddon (@RaysJoeMaddon) May 26, 2012
Bobby Valentine had much less to say:
Reminder: These two play again on Saturday and Sunday.
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