Yankees, Orioles Benches Clear After Controversial Play at Camden Yards

A benches-clearing incident occurred during the fourth inning of Wednesday night's game between the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles after Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad stole second base and was inadvertently clipped on the head by Yankees second baseman Pablo Reyes, who was leaping to catch a high throw. Kjerstad, upset by the collision, exchanged words with Reyes, prompting both teams' benches and bullpens to rush onto the field, but the situation quickly de-escalated with no punches thrown or ejections. This moment added to the competitive tension between the division rivals, recalling a similar benches-clearing episode from July 2024 when Kjerstad was hit in the head by a Yankees pitch. The Orioles, struggling with a slow start to the season, led the Yankees 4–2 at the time of the incident, while the Yankees have been enjoying a strong beginning to their campaign. Both managers, Aaron Boone and Brandon Hyde, helped keep the situation under control, reflecting the importance and intensity of games between these American League East contenders. No injuries occurred from the collision, and play resumed shortly after.