The New York Yankees punched their ticket to the ALCS after a 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. The road victory also clinched the series, 3-1.
With the Royals trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Kansas City leadoff hitter Michael Massey grounded to first base to start a 3-6 double play. At second base, Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe applied a firm tag on Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia.
Garcia asked for a replay, but also seemingly took exception to Volpe patting him on the back, exchanging words with the Yankees rookie as he was slowly walking away from the play.
Despite Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres trying to escort Garcia away before things escalated, both teams' benches and bullpens cleared out on to the field of play. The result was much ado about nothing.
Baseball fans took to social media with their reactions, and many voiced very similar opinions on the dust up.
"Most useless bench clearing moment off all time," one account commented on X.
"The softest benches clearing brawl in mlb history," echoed another.
"There was absolutely zero reason for the Royals and Yankees to clear the benches here," a fan said.
"What a weak fight. Weaker announcer," another wrote.
"THAT IS THE SOFTEST BENCH CLEARING I'VE SEEN," someone added.
"This meeting could have been an email," one fan joked.
Next up, the Yankees will face the winner of the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians series, which is headed to a decisive Game 5 on Saturday. First pitch is set for 8:08 p.m. ET on TBS.
