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Benches Clear in Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros Game After Likely Intentional Plunking

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Brady Farkas | Last updated 8/19/23

Benches cleared in the top of the fifth inning on Saturday night in Houston after Astros ace Framber Valdez hit Seattle Mariners infielder Jose Caballero in the leg.

Following a two-run home run from Dylan Moore that extended the M's lead to 6-2, Valdez beaned Caballero, who had words for him immediately.

Valdez walked towards the batter box and benches cleared. No punches were thrown but Astros manager Dusty Baker was seen yelling in the direction of Caballero as well.

Tenches are often high between these two teams, with the Astros having controlled the American League West for years. The Astros also swept the Mariners in last season's American League Divisional Series and the two teams have a known dislike for one another. The Astros went on to win the World Series.

The Mariners entered play on Saturday at 67-55 and are looking to get to a season-high 13 games over .500 on Saturday night.

At the time of this posting, the Mariners lead the Astros by that 6-2 score. In addition to the home run from Moore, the Mariners also RBIs from Eugenio Suarez, Cade Marlowe, Teoscar Hernandez and Cal Raleigh.

The two teams will play again on Sunday afternoon with first pitch coming at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Mariners rookie Emerson Hancock will get the ball in the finale. After that, the Mariners will head to Chicago for a series with the fourth-place (AL Central) White Sox.

The Mariners entered play on Saturday in possession of the third and final wild card spot in the AL. They are seeking their second straight postseason berth.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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