Boston Red Sox prospect Josh Winckowski found himself in hot water during a game in the Arizona Fall League. Facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 23-year-old pitcher incensed hitting prospect Canaan Smith-Njigba with a fierce pitch.
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While the pitch from Winckowski looked dangerous, what followed looked just as much, if not more dangerous.
Josh Winckowski incites massive brawl in the Arizona Fall League
During the game between the Red Sox and the Pirates on Saturday, Winckowski took a few seconds before pitching to the 22-year-old Smith-Njigba. When he did, it ended terribly for everyone at the ballpark.
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Winckowski sent a fast pitch straight at Smith-Njigba, hitting him on the shoulder forcefully. The latter then took off his helmet before sprinting towards the Red Sox pitcher. When they eventually met near the pitcher’s mound, Smith-Njigba threw a punch at Winckowski before facing retaliation from the Red Sox pitcher.
This altercation saw both benches clear out onto the field. While some of them engaged in small brawls of their own, many of them attempted to step in between the big one and separate the two youngsters from causing any more damage. Ultimately, the umpires and league officials came to a common consensus to eject both players, with Jose Caballero and Gregory Santos replacing them, respectively.
The Boston Red Sox MLB team reached the ALCS this year
In a dramatic postseason, the Red Sox produced top-quality baseball to reach this year’s ALCS. After beating their fierce rivals, the New York Yankees in the AL Wildcard game, they stunned the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in the subsequent ALDS.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (7) and third base coach Carlos Febles (52) separate manger Alex Cora from home plate umpire Laz Diaz during the third inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Although they pushed the Houston Astros in the ALCS, they couldn’t quite reach their first World Series final since 2018. While they lost to the Astros in six games, they left their fans pleased with their efforts in the diamond. Whether they can go one step further and achieve World Series glory next year, only time will tell.
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