Slowey’s quick pitch ignites confrontation

Associated Press

BRADENTON, Fla.

A quick pitch by Kevin Slowey sparked benches to empty in a rare testy spring training game.

Both teams rushed onto the field before the bottom of the fifth inning of the Pittsburgh’s 18-4 rout of Philadelphia on Monday when Phillies first base coach Juan Samuel and Pirates third base coach Rick Sofield began yelling at each other. Samuel and Sofield were ejected.

In a year when baseball is implementing new rules to speed the pace of games, the disagreement stemmed from when Slowey threw a quick pitch to Sean Rodriguez in the fourth inning. As players ran onto the field during the altercation, Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli wrestled Rodriguez away from the scrum.

“It surprises me to be that upset, and challenging somebody to a physical altercation hardly seems like the best way to resolve your frustrations,” Slowey said. “I was kind of taken by surprise at his animosity after his at-bat. I know the kind of guy that he purports to be. That surprised me that that would be his choice of words and reaction. I guess I understand the frustration of a singular failure. It’s a game of failures. But to react that way to me was very surprising.”

Rodriguez and Sofield declined to comment.

“It gets late in the spring and guys’ patience levels might be a little bit short,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “Everybody just needs to move past it.”

In the sixth inning, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was ejected by plate umpire Chad Fairchild for arguing a called strike to Andrew Lambo.

Pedro Alvarez homered twice, including a grand slam. Josh Harrison, Starling Marte, Tony Sanchez and Pedro Florimon also connected for the Pirates, who hit six home runs. Alvarez went 2 for 4 with three runs and six RBIs.

Josh Harrison, Starling Marte, Tony Sanchez and Pedro Florimon also homered for the Pirates.

BLACK AND GOLD

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin visited camp and spoke informally with several Pirates players. Tomlin jokingly lobbied 6-foot-7 reliever Jared Hughes to consider playing tight end. “I’ll take Cutch, too,” Tomlin said, referring to Andrew McCutchen. “I’ll bet you he can settle under a punt.” Throughout the year, Tomlin often chats and swaps emails with Hurdle. “He’s a guy who’s right-minded,” Tomlin said. “We share a lot of philosophical thoughts on how to lead men. It’s been fun to watch him develop these groups over the years and I’m excited to watch him do it again this year.”