The Washington Nationals pitchers appear to be having control issues. A night New York Mets batters were hit by pitches three times in Thursday’s season opener, shortstop Francisco Lindor was drilled in the face with a pitch.
Lindor was squaring for a bunt when Nationals reliever Steve Cishek’s pitch ran up high into Lindor’s face. Mets manager Buck Showalter had enough with it as he stormed out the dugout onto the field. That prompted both benches to clear, including out the Mets’ bullpen.
Fortunately, no punches were thrown and umpires were able to separate the two teams without further incident. Near the end of the melee Nationals star Juan Soto walked over to Lindor and put his hand over his shoulder while checking on him.
As the situation died down, the umpires convened and ejected Cishek from the game without warning. Cishek pleaded his case before Nationals manager Davey Martinez escorted him off the field.
It’s hard to assume intent. But, it’s understandable why the Mets took great exception to their fourth batter being hit in just two games.
Among the three hits on Thursday night, the scariest was in the ninth when Mason Thompson hit Mets slugger Pete Alonso on his helmet flap.
Fortunately, Alonso escaped the hit without serious injury.
Having hit four batter through two games is alarming. The old school baseball method is to retaliate. Hopefully, the two teams can get through Saturday and Sunday games without someone being beaned.
