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Royals Pitcher Fractures Alexander's Hand; Orioles Win 8-2

7/13/2026

45 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Erceg Fractures Alexander

Royals reliever Lucas Erceg struck Orioles baseman Blaze Alexander in the left hand on July 12, 2026, causing a non-displaced fracture.
Both benches cleared, but no punches were thrown or players ejected.
Manager Craig Albernaz held Alexander back as bullpens from both teams rushed onto the field.
Baltimore won 8-2, improving to 46-51 and extending its streak to four games, while Kansas City fell to 21 losses.

Summary

Taveras 448-Foot Homer

Leody Taveras hit a 448-foot two-run homer, finishing with three RBIs.
Samuel Basallo recorded his 16th home run of the season.
The Royals were swept for the eighth time this season, the most sweeps in 2026, and fell to a 38-59 record that left them last place and 21 games under .500.
Shane Baz threw 104 pitches, struck out nine, and allowed one earned run over 4 2/3 innings.

History

Historical Context

The pattern of bench-clearing fights in MLB stretches back decades, such as the June 2008 Red Sox-Rays melee that began when Coco Crisp was hit by a pitch. When Kansas City reliever Lucas Erceg beaned Orioles’ Blaze Alexander on July 12 2026, the league again invoked its unsportsmanlike-conduct rules, issuing fines and suspensions that echo earlier disciplinary trends.

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Erceg Fractures Alexander

Royals reliever Lucas Erceg struck Orioles baseman Blaze Alexander in the left hand on July 12, 2026, causing a non-displaced fracture.
Both benches cleared, but no punches were thrown or players ejected.
Manager Craig Albernaz held Alexander back as bullpens from both teams rushed onto the field.
Baltimore won 8-2, improving to 46-51 and extending its streak to four games, while Kansas City fell to 21 losses.

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