After being eliminated by the Kansas City Royals during the 2014 postseason, the Los Angeles Angels have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. So when the two teams got together in Southern California this past weekend, tempers were elevated.
Both sides were able to maintain their cool through the first two evenings but it was the series finale in which the Angels, in danger of being swept, lost their cool.
It started off with MVP Mike Trout being brushed back by Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura. That didn’t sit well with the outfielder who could be seen muttering something towards Ventura after he singled moments later. That lead to the Royals ace to stare down Trout as he made his way to first base.
Not long after, Albert Pujols hit a double, allowing Mike Trout to score and when he did so, he made sure both Yordano Ventura and the Kansas City Royals knew he just touched home.
That was enough to upset the Royals who began to emerge out of their dugout, followed by the Angels in a bench clearing. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed and no punches were thrown.
As for Mike Trout, he says he was just playing baseball.
”I was just playing my game,” Trout said. ”I just got a base hit, I got to first base and he was staring at me. I didn’t think I did anything wrong – and then he got in my face. I’m not trying to get in any fights or anything, and I’m just trying to play baseball.”
Royals manager Ned Yoast seemed to put a bit of blame on Ventura as well, suggesting he plays a very emotional game and allowed it to overcome him.
