On July 12, 2024, tensions boiled over between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees during a game that ended in a 4-1 victory for the Yankees. The incident occurred when Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the helmet by a pitch from Yankees closer Clay Holmes, causing the benches to clear in the bottom of the ninth inning.
According to Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, there had been some back and forth between the two teams leading up to the incident, with multiple players being hit by pitches in previous games. The situation escalated when Kjerstad was hit near the ear flap by a 97 mph pitch, prompting Orioles manager Brandon Hyde to walk towards the New York dugout in protest. This led to a confrontation on the field before cooler heads prevailed.
Holmes expressed regret over the incident, stating that he never intended to hit Kjerstad in the head and attributing the errant pitch to the challenging weather conditions. Both teams acknowledged that the wet conditions had made it difficult to grip the baseball, potentially contributing to the wayward pitch.
The rivalry between the Orioles and the Yankees has been intense this season, with a total of 10 Baltimore batters and three New York hitters being hit by pitches in their matchups. Despite their strong start to the season, both teams have struggled recently, with the Orioles holding a slim lead over the Yankees in the AL East standings.
Manager Brandon Hyde expressed disappointment over the team’s recent performance, noting that they were going through a tough stretch offensively. The Orioles, who were once the frontrunners in the division, are now facing increased pressure from the Boston Red Sox, who are closing in on the top spot.
The incident between the Orioles and the Yankees serves as a reminder of the intensity and competitiveness of baseball rivalries, as well as the importance of sportsmanship and player safety on the field. As both teams head into the All-Star break, they will need to regroup and refocus in order to finish the season strong and maintain their positions in the standings.