The clash between the American Eastern Conference rivals Yankees and the Orioles never lacked gunpowder, and Wednesday night's fourth-inning game at Camden Square confirmed that.
Golden Oriole rookie Heston Kjerstad collided with Yankees second baseman Pablo Reyes when he stole second base, causing both teams to clear their benches. Reyes jumped up to catch catcher Austin Wells' high-tossed pass, and when he landed, he inadvertently tangled in the head of Kjestad, who was sliding base.
Kjestad then expressed his displeasure to Reyes, and the players from both teams rushed into the field, with Jorge Mateo, the Oriole's fast-legged toolman, arriving at the point of conflict first. The Cowshed pitchers joined in and the two sides faced off fiercely, but the conflict quickly subsided without causing any further incident.
This is not the first time that Kejstad has been involved in a clash between the two teams. On July 12, 2024, he was hit in the head by a touch ball, triggering an even more serious bench emptying incident.