Benches Clear After Kiermaier Hit By Pitch: "I Hope We Play Those Guys"

When Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier literally swiped a game-plan data card from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, and refused to give it back, he set off a series of events that led to a benches-clearing incident in Wednesday's game. 

With the Blue Jays trailing 7-1 in the 8th inning, Toronto reliever Ryan Borucki pegged Kiermaier with a pitch square in the back, leaving the Rays' batter glaring and yelling at Borucki as he walked to first, while players and coaches from both teams streamed out of the dugouts. 

After a lot of shouting and arguing, Borucki was eventually tossed from the game, and given a series of fist-bumps as he left the dugout. But afterwards, both he and Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said the HBP was unintentional, with Borucki saying "I felt the ball slip out of my hand and I missed up and in, and I accidentally hit him. They can think what they want over there in their locker room, but it is what it is, and that’s all I’ve got.”

This all began Monday night, when Kiermaier slid into home plate in a collision with Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk, who had the team's data card pop out of his pocket. The card contains the Blue Jays game-plan about how they pitch to the opposition.

Afterwards, Kiermaier repeatedly said he will not give the card back, saying "it's September." That logic, understandably, did not sit well with the Blue Jays. 

What makes this all the more interesting, is that if the Jays do take a Wild Card spot, and then win that game, they would be facing, in the Division Series... the Tampa Bay Rays.

After getting hit on Wednesday, Kiermaier doubled down on his data card thievery, saying "I hope we play those guys, I really do,” Kiermaier said. “I hope we play them.”

September has already featured a thrilling three-team race for two Wild Card spots, but October may have just gotten a whole lot more interesting in the American League East. 

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports