The rivalry has been resurrected between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. One of the most vicious rivalries in all of sports had an intense moment in their most recent series as New York Yankees utilityman Tyler Austin and Boston Red Sox reliever Joe Kelly scuffled on the mound, leading both benches and bullpens to clear. 

Early in the game, Austin slid hard into second base and apparently “spiked” the Red Sox second baseman Brock Holt with his cleats. The Red Sox were upset with Austin’s decision to keep his foot in the air while he was well past the base and this immediately left people wondering whether or not there would be retaliation.

After Joe Kelly’s inside pitched nailed Austin in the ribs, Austin slammed his bat and charged the mound. Both benches cleared and the two were broken up by other teammates and the umpires. Both players were ejected from the game but the nastiness was not over yet. Manager Alex Cora of the Red Sox waved his hand as a gesture of saying goodbye as the third base coach for the Yankees screamed at the dugout. However, no more ejections were given. If you could be ejected for saying or gesturing unsportsmanlike slurs, the Red Sox would not have a team.

With this being the only second week of baseball, fans are left wondering what the rest of the season has to offer. Being the two best teams in the division and having an ongoing rivalry can make for an exciting season, even if you are not fans of these teams. Manager, Aaron Boone of the Yankees states that the incident is, “absolutely behind us.” Joe Kelly is suspended for six games while Tyler Austin is suspended for five. Both face fines as well. With many more matchups still left in the season, we will see if pride can really be swallowed or if having the last laugh is more important to the Yankees than sportsmanship.