Team, Orioles Fans Support Machado After Brawl At The Yard
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The team and Orioles fans are still waiting to hear the punishment for Manny Machado after a bench-clearing brawl at the Yard.
Rick Ritter has reaction from Machado, manager Buck Showalter and fans.
After charging the mound, Machado has full support from his teammates and manager. Buck Showalter says the team is bracing for whatever Machado's punishment may be, with a pivotal road trip ahead.
It's the bench-clearing brawl that's gone viral. Fists went flying after O's slugger Manny MAchado was drilled by a fastball from Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura.
The clash had emotions high on the diamond Tuesday night, with a charge to the mound Machado isn't second-guessing.
"I don't regret anything. It's just part of the game, reactions fly. And when someone is throwing 99 at you, it's something that's going to hurt," said Machado.
Manager Buck Showalter is standing by his shortstop.
"It's a lot easier to, you know, do those things when you feel like you're doing it for a just cause," Showalter said.
The O's fanbase is behind Manny, too.
"I don't blame Manny Machado. I think he should have done that," said Ann Trapanie.
"I feel as though it was justified. He was definitely going after Machado. He threw several pitches inside," said Edward Baker.
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The fight has been the talk of Baltimore, but many fans say they're now worried about what's next, and a possible suspension for the O's star player.
"Suspension may be coming -- two or three games -- but not much," said Cody Chatham.
It's something Buck Showalter isn't stressing over.
"I'll leave it in their hands and hope they do the fair and right thing," he said. "And if I don't feel like they have, I'll address it."
The O's now gear up for a big road trip ahead.
"Not only did he take a stand, his whole team took a stand with him," said Rob Harnsberger. "That says a lot about Buck and his boys sticking together."
Both players were ejected from Tuesday night's game. Machado was back in the lineup Wednesday.
Many are expecting a decision on a possible fine and suspension by sometime Thursday or Friday.
Orioles outfielder Adam Jones has already offered to pay Machado's fine.
Two years ago, Machado was suspended five games for throwing a bat onto the field against the Oakland Athletics.
