Benches clear in Kansas City

Kansas City, MO – Tempers flared between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday.

The benches and bullpens emptied in the top of the third inning after Royals starter Jonathan Sanchez hit Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo directly in the right thigh with a fastball.

Choo took exception to being thrown at and took a few steps toward the mound while yelling at Sanchez before being restrained by home plate umpire Gary Darling.

Choo and Sanchez already have a history, as it was a Sanchez fastball that broke Choo's left thumb on June 24 last season and caused him to miss nearly a month.

Both benches were warned, but the feistiness continued in the bottom of the third inning when Indians starter Jeanmar Gomez nailed the first batter he saw -- Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas.

Again the benches emptied and Gomez and Indians manager Manny Acta were both ejected, as was third baseman Jack Hannahan, who felt the need to get in the middle of proceedings despite not being originally involved.

Sanchez was pulled after just 2 2/3 innings.