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Rob Long: The Brawl Between Ventura & Machado

Manny Machado made it perfectly clear in the second inning that he did not like Yordano Ventura throwing inside. Not only did he stare him down, he chirped at Ventura after hitting a fly ball to left field. Machado obviously had issues with Yordano's approach.

Manny is a young man who's earned a bit of a reputation for "setting the record straight" with his opponents. Manny and then Oakland A's third baseman Josh Donaldson had their run in when Machado was "tagged" by Donaldson on a play at third base in 2014. Two days later, Manny let a bat fly from his hands during a plate appearance that landed around the third base area. Donaldson was out of the game at the time and many felt Machado was aiming at the mound.

Manny's past had nothing to do with what took place on Tuesday. Ventura has had several incidents with opposing players including Adam Eaton of the Chicago White Sox. He's been known to be a bit of a hot head. It appeared that he had intent to hit Machado in the fifth inning after the two exchanged words earlier.

After he beaned Manny, the Baltimore Orioles shortstop charged the mound and landed a right hand to the side of the head of Ventura. The two ended up on the ground as both benches cleared before order was restored.

Manny Machado is arguably the O's best player and he has a modest consecutive game streak going on. One would assume that a suspension is eminent due to his actions. The question is, "Was it worth it?" That remains to be seen. I'm sure the length of the suspension will be a determining factor in that as well.

The best retaliation was the O's going back to back with both Mark Trumbo and Chris Davis going yard IMMEDIATELY after play resumed. That's the best way to respond.

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