Toronto Blue Jays lose as tempers flare, benches clear in Baltimore

The Toronto Blue Jays’ winning streak ended at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, but it’s what happened between a former Toronto pitcher that garnered reaction.

After striking out Matt Chapman in the seventh inning, Orioles reliever Bryan Baker was seen gesturing to the Jays dugout.

It led to both benches clearing with a few of Toronto’s players visibly upset, notably Teoscar Hernandez, who had to be restrained by teammates. Umpires issued both teams warnings.

It’s unclear what Baker was referencing, but he appeared to be motioning his hands, telling Toronto players to keep quiet. Hernandez hit a solo home run off the right-hander in game two of a doubleheader on Monday.

Baker spent a few years in Toronto’s minor-league system and made his major-league debut with the club last season before being claimed on waivers by Baltimore.

The Blue Jays and Orioles benches clear after Bryan Baker struck out Matt Chapman to end the top of the seventh. pic.twitter.com/ta30veGijc

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 7, 2022

Bryan Baker tells the Blue Jays dugout to keep quiet… It doesn't go over well. pic.twitter.com/SLu2NT3a83

— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) September 7, 2022

Blue Jays manager John Schneider was later ejected from Tuesday’s game for arguing balls and strikes. He also admitted to not understanding why Baker took issue with the Blue Jays.

“I am not sure why Baker was looking inside our dugout after he gave up a run,” Schneider said postgame. “It wasn’t Teoscar. It’s not the first time [Baker] has done this with our guys. It’s just a shame that this was all instigated by one guy.”

Baker said he was upset over a disagreement he had with Hernandez.

“Everyone knows I am intense out there. Nothing towards the other team,” Baker said. “I was just letting [Hernandez] know that. I know some of those guys; I have no problems with them, just a personal problem.”

Guerrero Jr. says Baker started talking to Hernandez after he grounded out and kept it up once he struck out Chapman.

“Ask [Baker]. Obviously, when you do that, when we haven’t done anything to him… and that happens, we don’t know. We’ll move on,” Guerrero Jr. said through a translator.

Game-wise, the Blue Jays (75-60) failed to keep up with the Orioles (72-64), losing 9-6. Toronto starter Mitch White struggled again, only lasting 2 1/3 innings, surrendering five earned runs and issuing three walks.

Trevor Richards was also charged with three earned runs, as the Blue Jays were forced to use six relievers.

Bo Bichette stayed scorching hot at the plate with four hits and two RBIs, including his 22nd home run of the season. Alejandro Kirk had four hits of his own, while Chapman added two hits and two RBIs.

The Tampa Bay Rays won again on Tuesday, beating Boston 8-4. They’re now a game-and-a-half ahead of the Blue Jays for the top spot in the American League wild card.

Toronto will hand the ball to Alek Manoah on Wednesday night as Baltimore counters with Dean Kremer.