MMA and boxing are the sports that fans tend to go to purely for the fights. You can maybe even squeeze hockey into that category. But baseball is definitely not one of those sports. However, a massive fight broke out on March 9^th in the 9^th inning between Mexico and Canada at the World Baseball Classic involving just about every member of both teams. Granted, not every player was throwing punches and going for the knock out. Most were seen trying to separate and restrain players.

The fight was first initiated when Mexico’s pitcher Arnold Leon threw multiple consecutive pitches inside the plate just inches from hitting the Canadian batter Rene Tosoni, which drew a warning from the home-plate umpire. Leon was hit-by-pitch on the following pitch, which appeared to be intentional, and instantly started marching towards the pitchers mound. Mexico’s catcher tried to get between Tosoni and Leon, but by that time it was too late. Both benches were already cleared and all players and coaches were in the infield yelling and throwing punches at the opposing team.

But why would Mexico initiate such a thing? According to USA Today, it was most likely due to the fact that Mexico was down 9-3 in the 9^th inning of an internationally recognized game. Luis Cruz, Mexico’s third-baseman, was also seen gesturing to Leon to hit him in the ribs. Canada’s first base coach saw this happen and later showed his frustration during a press conference by saying, “Their third baseman was telling (Leon) to hit him right in the ribs, I couldn’t believe he didn’t get tossed.”

Canada would go on to win the game 10-3. They were able to score one more run after the fight took place.