MIAMI (AP) — Nyjer Morgan charged the mound after a pitch sailed behind him, triggering a bench-clearing brawl Wednesday night during the Florida Marlins’ 16-10 win over the Washington Nationals.
Morgan, recently suspended and criticized by his own manager for questionable acts on the field, left Florida catcher Brett Hayes with a separated shoulder Tuesday night after a home plate collision in the 10th inning.
Florida’s Chris Volstad hit Morgan with a pitch in the fourth inning this time. The speedy leadoff man then stole two bases with his Nationals trailing 14-3.
Volstad threw his first pitch of the sixth behind Morgan, setting off a wild scene. Morgan took a big swing that appeared to graze Volstad’s face — Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez clothes-lined Morgan, knocking off his batting helmet and sending him to the ground.
The teams piled up, and managers Jim Riggleman of the Nationals and Edwin Rodriguez of the Marlins jawed at each other.
Morgan, Volstad, Rodriguez and Marlins pitcher Jose Veras were ejected. Morgan was loudly booed when he raised his arms as he was escorted off the field.
Morgan is currently appealing a seven-game suspension for throwing a ball at a fan in the stands in Philadelphia on Aug. 21.
Last Saturday night, Morgan collided with St. Louis catcher Bryan Anderson, who had stepped a foot or two in front of the plate. Riggleman later called Morgan’s actions “unprofessional.”
Washington reliever Doug Slaten and Riggleman were ejected after Sanchez was hit with a pitch with two outs in the seventh. Four batters were hit overall.
Wes Helms had three hits and five RBIs in the Marlins’ highest-scoring game of the season. Mike Stanton, Brad Davis and Cameron Maybin homered for Florida.
Logan Morrison and Hanley Ramirez each scored three times through the first three innings as the Marlins took a 14-3 lead. Florida scored five runs in the first, five more in the second and four times in the third.
Volstad (9-9) wound up with the win.
Scott Olsen (3-8) lasted just 1 2-3 innings while losing his sixth straight start. He allowed nine runs and eight hits.
Craig Stammen relieved Olsen and was greeted by Stanton’s 15th home run.
Morgan scored on Ian Desmond’s short sacrifice fly in the fourth. Second baseman Donnie Murphy fell to the ground after catching the ball in short right-center and left the game with a dislocated right wrist.
Davis led off the Florida fourth with his first career home run.
NOTES: Washington 3B Ryan Zimmerman (right hip) was not in the lineup. “He’s a little tender,” said Riggleman, who added Thursday’s off-day will give Zimmerman a two-day rest. … Morgan stole two bases to increase his season total to 33. … Marlins 2B Dan Uggla (right groin strain) was not in the lineup for the third straight game.
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Munderlings
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 2:32pmJust attend a few youth athletic events then you’ll know exactly where they come from. :|
Report Post »deanbob
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:55pmMajor league baseball, effectively condones this behavior. If you disagree, then why are the punishments nothing more than a miniscule fine?
Report Post »mike1956will
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:09pmI‘m tired of people who’ve never played the game sayinbg what’s proper etiquette for players. If Morgan was stealing bases with a 20 run deficit, then good for him. Is he supposed to give up and just stay at the base he’s aty and not try to score…HELL NO! He was doing what he’s paid to do, and you disagree, you’re an idiot. GO MORGAN, Keep playing like you’re suppose to, although the cheap shot you gave Brian Anderson last week was in poor taste. Cards fan here :-)
Report Post »joeray6248
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 9:03amI‘m sorry to say that I’m a devoted Marlins fan and was watching the games on tv while all of this transpired. Baseball players as a whole still have a frat boy mentality, but there is a certain level of professionalism that Morgan failed to exhibit.
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 8:32amAnd this player is called a “professional” why?
Report Post »Windsong
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 8:03amWouldn’t it be great if ALL players were like Albert Puljos? What a terrific player…and human being he is!
Report Post »Windsong
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 8:01amWouldn’t it be great if ALL players were like Albert Puljos? What a terrific player and human being he is!
Report Post »1911
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 11:20amyes it would ! some of these athletes whom have been PRIVALIDGED to play ball , have no business being allowed to do so , they should have good moral character or be kicked out of pro ball . i used to go to games but not anymore i stopped in protest years ago !
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 6:39amJust a quick notice: Spendthrift, your post posted.
Report Post »spendthrift
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:33amGLENN, I CAN’T MODIFY MY PASSWORD ON THIS SITE. MY POST’S WONT POST. IT’S ALMOST AS POOR AS FOX. FIX IT ASAP OR YOU WILL LOOSE A MILLION VIEWERS ON THIS SITE….OH…YOU BE STILL THE MAN….HOPE TO SEE A RESPONSE////////?
Report Post »spendthrift
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:19amI APPLAUD IF ONLY OBAMA PITCHED FOR THE NATIONALS. AFTER ALL, HE IS THE UTMOST NON-NATIONAL OF ALL. IMPEACH HIM NOW AND AFTER NOV 2 HE WILL BE A FOUL BALL.
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