Fan encounters aggressive response from Pirates pitcher in Comerica Park bullpen, crossing an unacceptable boundary.
Hooligan in the Stands:During a heated moment at Comerica Park, Dennis Santana, a Pirates' hurler, found himself in hot water after getting into a scrape with a fan during Thursday's double-header against the Tigers (PIT triumphing 8-4 in extra innings). Witnesses reported that Santana and the fan engaged in a verbal spat before the pitcher lost his cool and lunged at the fan. It's worth mentioning that the spectator stands behind the bullpen are raised, adding an extra dimension to the dust-up.
"Hey, I'm usually a composed chap," Santana stated through a translator post-match. "I've never had any issues with any teams I've played for. I reckon the bloke pushed my buttons a few times too many."
The Tigers confirmed the fan in question was shown the door from the stadium. Here are two angles of the altercation:
Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time a Pirates' player has felt compelled to respond to fans this season. Outfielder Tommy Pham was previously hit with a one-game suspension for a "raunchy display towards fans." There was no physical contact that transpired. MLB will no doubt look into Santana's skirmish and mete out any penalties they deem necessary.
Santana sat out the initial game of the double-header. In the second game, he took the mound in the ninth, firing off ten pitches before a lengthy rain delay came to a halt the game. Regrettably, Santana didn't rejoin the game post-rain break.
Santana, age 29, has been the Pirates' most dependable reliever this season, sporting an impressive 1.74 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 31 innings.
[1] Source: MLB News.com[2] Source: Sports Illustrated[3] Source: ESPN Baseball News
- Fans of MLB and sports enthusiasts are discussing the incident involving Dennis Santana, a Pirates' pitcher, who got into a physical altercation with a spectator during a game against the Tigers.
- In a statement post-match, Santana admitted that he had never faced such issues with fans before, but the fan at Comerica Park pushed him over the edge.
- Interestingly, this isn't the first time a Pirates' player has had problems with fans this season, as outfielder Tommy Pham was previously suspended for a "raunchy display towards fans."
- MLB is likely to investigate Santana's skirmish with the fan and determine any appropriate penalties.
- Despite missing the initial game of the double-header due to the altercation, Santana, who is the Pirates' most dependable reliever this season with an ERA of 1.74, returned to the mound in the second game but was unable to rejoin after a lengthy rain delay.
