The Los Angeles Angels secured a decisive victory against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. However, an unusual pregame incident captured more attention than the game itself.
Before the first pitch at Tropicana Field, three players were ejected. Third-base umpire made the call to eject Angels reliever Brent Suter and Rays pitchers Steven Wilson and Manuel Rodríguez. The ejections seemed to result from what appeared to be a ‘standoff’ situation over the national anthem.
Once ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ finished playing, Suter remained near the third-base dugout. Across the field, Wilson and Rodríguez stood near the first-base dugout, accompanied by Rays mascots.
“The game was ready to begin with Drew Rasmussen set to pitch and Angels’ Zach Neto in the batter’s box,”
The umpire announced the ejections of all three involved players due to this incident.
The game proceeded without further delay, and the Angels defeated the Rays 14-3. The teams will meet again for the series finale on Sunday, with the series tied at one game each.
Brent Suter, who pitched in Friday’s series opener, had uncertainty surrounding his availability for consecutive games. Meanwhile, Rodríguez is continuing his recovery from elbow surgery, and Wilson is dealing with lumbar disc inflammation. Neither has debuted this season.
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