Yankees, Orioles Clear Benches, Scuffle After Kjerstad Hit in Head by Pitch

Benches cleared in the ninth inning of the New York Yankees’ 4-1 road win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday after O’s outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from Yanks closer Clay Holmes.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde was enraged after the pitch and started pointing and walking toward the Yankees dugout before being stopped by New York catcher Austin Wells. Both benches cleared, though, as the situation escalated.

Hyde was ejected. Austin Hays replaced Kjerstad following the hit-by-pitch. Holmes then got the next two batters out for the save.

On paper, the hit-by-pitch appeared to be an accident. The second-place Yankees, who entered Friday in a 6-17 skid, were in desperate need of a win against the first-place Orioles. Holmes was in a save situation, and he had worked the count to 0-2. He also was pitching in the rain, which probably didn’t help his grip.

But obviously, the Orioles weren’t going to be happy seeing a member of the team getting hit in the head with a 97 mph pitch. And tensions were high in a competitive game against two teams fighting for the AL East.

Looking at the postgame reaction, Kjerstad’s health is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an immediate postgame update.

Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman offered his well-wishes.

Hyde spoke about the moment afterwards.

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge did as well:

The Yankees and Orioles will play again in Baltimore on Saturday at 4:05 pm ET.