Yankees, Blue Jays Show Their Spines
Ever since the Toronto Blue Jays expressed their outrage over [Shoutgate] more than two months ago, the teams pitchers have [skipped around in little pink skirts](http://www.nypress.com/blogx/display_blog.cfm?bid=86353025) on the mound and refused to hit Alex Rodriguez in retaliation. But last night, finally, the Blue Jays showed they had some cajonesalbeit small oneswhen Toronto starter Josh Towers plunked A-Rod on his left leg with the first pitch in his second at-bat.
Rodriguez moved toward the mound and then Towers walked briskly toward A-Rod. The Yankees and Blue Jays benches spilled out onto the field. Home plate umpire Angel Hernandez stepped in between A-Rod and the pitcher. Torontos Matt Stairs had to be restrained by New Yorks Andy Phillips as he tried to go after A-Rod at first base. Then the field cleared, Towers shouted at Yankee first base coach Tony Pena, A-Rod moved toward Towers and shouted You talking to me? You talking to me? and the benches cleared again. Finally, Canada had given us something entertaining to watch.
I heard somebody chirping when I was talking to Lyle [Overbay] and I didnt think it was Alex and I asked who it was, Towers said. Tony Pena is running his mouth off and I was like, Whats this guy running his mouth off for? This dude is a quitter. He managed a team and quit in the middle of the season because he couldnt hack it. Hes going to run his mouth off? So I ended up getting into it with Alex a second time.
Pena, who quit as manager of Kansas City in May 2005, still seemed heated after them fightin words. I dont care, Pena said when asked about the incident. I have no comment. Let him talk.
In the seventh inning, New York starter Roger Clemens retaliated by drilling Alex Rios in the back with a fastball. Both he and Joe Torre were immediately ejected and will most likely face suspensions. Nonetheless, the Yankees won 9-2 and [moved within just five games] of the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox.