The Los Angeles Dodgers got more than they bargained for in a second consecutive 7-2 victory over the Miami Marlins. Alex Wood dominated to the tune of 7.1 shutout innings. Los Angeles led from the first inning on.
Cody Bellinger slugged a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, which seemingly frustrated Marlins reliever A.J. Ramos. Bellinger’s home run was without any added flare or unusual celebration.
Yet, Ramos’ next pitch drilled Brett Eibner in the ribs. The writing was on the wall. Ross Stripling, having entered in the eighth and now pitching with a 7-0 lead, unleashed a fastball that sailed behind Giancarlo Stanton’s backside.
“First pitch of the inning, fastball in, and it just got away from me,” Stripling said after the game. “Obviously, things got heated. That kind of stuff happens in baseball. Everyone comes out and supports their teammates, get back into the dugout and keep playing.”
“Lucky to have a teammate like Barnes that’s willing to get in front for me,” added Stripling on staring down at Stanton slowly walking in his direction.
Stripling was immediately ejected. Dodgers bench coach Bob Geren and Marlins manager Don Mattingly weren’t far behind. The two tangled, which Mattingly later explained was because Geren yelled at Marlins players, Stanton in particular.
“They were exchanging some pleasantries,” quipped Roberts when asked about the exchange between Geren and Mattingly. “Two big men being in the middle of that, but yeah, we worked it out.”
Roberts did make much of the shoving match that ensued between both teams. “I just think it was one of those things that, Ramos, ball got away from him arm side,” he said. “The same thing with our guy. Benches cleared and things were taken care of. I’m just happy we won a game.”
What Roberts did take issue with was Stripling getting ejected without any warnings issued. The ejection was Stripling’s first. “Bucket list,” he said with a smile.
Although Mattingly left open the possibility of the histrionics carrying into the remaining two games of the series, Roberts shared a different perspective. “I think it was taken care of on the field,” he said.
“I know they’re looking forward to winning a game, as are we.”
