Canada vs. Mexico Erupts Into Benches Clearing Brawl (Video)

Mar. 9, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Mexico players fight with Canada players in the ninth inning of the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more common arguments that the critics have used centers on the World Baseball Classic failing to offer up entertaining baseball. Hopefully most of those critics have been watching this year’s tournament, as we’ve continued to see compelling games. After numerous incidents throughout the game, this afternoon’s Canada vs. Mexico contest erupted into a benches clearing brawl in the top of the 9th inning.

With Canada leading 9-3, catcher Chris Robinson bunted for a base hit on the first pitch thrown in the inning. Apparently Mexico didn’t take too kindly to this. Replay videos clearly show third baseman Luis Cruz mouthing “get him” towards his pitcher following the play. After a brush back pitch from Arnold Leon, Rene Tosoni was drilled with a pitch resulting in a bench clearing brawl. Numerous reports suggest that Cruz may have thrown one of the first punches, as he appears to head towards Robinson in replays.

Numerous smaller scrums break out, including a noticeable situation between outfielder Tyson Gillies and right-hander pitcher Alfredo Aceves. Gillies swung Aceves onto the ground before walking away, only to have Aceves charge up behind him, wrapping his arms around Gillies, and the pair ultimately end up on the ground with other players involved.

Seven players were ejected from the game. We’ll have more as suspensions, etc. are announced.

Video is from YouTube.

Staff Writer Eric Bynum contributed to this post.