The 2014 World Series became a lot more interesting Wednesday night.
The Kansas City Royals rolled to a 7-2 win over the San Francisco Giants in Game 2 of the Fall Classic, evening the series at one game apiece. The Royals plated five runs in a sixth inning that featured some additional fireworks.
Royals catcher Salvador Perez and Giants reliever Hunter Strickland exchanged words in the sixth after Omar Infante launched a two-run homer to give Kansas City a commanding lead. Strickland seemingly said something as Perez rounded third base, causing the backstop to shrug his shoulders, chat with home plate umpire Eric Cooper and glance back toward the frustrated right-hander. Strickland responded by yelling back in Perez’s direction. Naturally, the benches cleared.
No punches were thrown and order quickly was restored. The umpiring crew did an excellent job of intervening to ensure things didn’t escalate. But Strickland, who has surrendered five home runs in 5 2/3 innings this postseason, certainly added some fuel to the October fire.
The World Series now shifts to San Francisco with emotions running high, though the sides downplayed the verbal altercation following Game 2.
Thumbnail photo via Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports Images
