Mexico and Canada had a brawl which led to a pause in the action in the top of the ninth. With Canada leading 9-3, catcher Chris Robinson laid down a bunt that led to the beginning of a fight that umpires and coaches had a tough time controlling. Emotions ran high and punches were thrown.
Rene Tonosi was at bat and Arnold Leon, of Mexico, pitched in side pushing Tonosi off the plate. The umpire issued warnings which seemed like a cue for Leon to plunk Tonosi. When replays were show, Mexican third baseman, Luis Cruz picked up the ball that was bunted and signaled to his pitcher to plunk Tonosi prior to the Canadian outfielder stepping up to the plate.
Tonosi charged the mound and then all hell broke loose on Chase Field.
There were individual brawls going on outside of the big pile at the center of the diamond. Alfredo Aceves was launched by Tyson Gillies in one of the weirdest takedown moves you'll see. Let's just say if it was Ronda Rousy on the attack, Aceves would have been in an armbar in no time.
What Led to the Brawl?
The Mexicans were insulted by Robinson trying to bunt in a 9-3 game. It's adding insult to injury. On top of this, Robinson was involved in contact filled plays throughout the game.
He made a late slide at second base and then absorbed a huge hit from Mexican outfielder Karim Garcia at the plate. The play at the plate was unavoidable, so there's no way you can blame Robinson for what took place.
The brawl then extended beyond the field as fans behind the Canadian dugout began throwing debris on the field. WBC warned fans announcing they could face criminal charges like reckless endangerment and disruption of a public event.
Leon and Tonosi were ejected from the game and other guys have yet to be announced. Suspended players may not be reinstated for duration of tournament.
Canada's won 10-3 and made things interesting after getting blown out by Italy and now scoring a ton of runs against Mexico.
