Benches clear in Pirates-White Sox game after elbow thrown during slide
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- A benches-clearing incident occurred during the Chicago White Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game after White Sox infielder Sam Antonacci elbowed Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe while trying to break up a double play.
- Lowe and teammates took issue with Antonacci's slide, which Lowe described as a "bad slide," leading to verbal exchanges and players rushing onto the field, though Antonacci defended his play as legal and part of trying to make a difficult throw.
- The double play preserved the Pirates' 4-1 lead and was crucial in their 4-2 victory, helping Pittsburgh reach .500 for the first time since August 3 and maintain their pursuit of the final NL Wild Card spot.
- White Sox manager Will Venable supported Antonacci, emphasizing his hard-playing style and denying any dirty intent, while Antonacci criticized Lowe for walking away after their confrontation.
- The Pirates aim for a series sweep with one game left, sitting five games behind the Diamondbacks for the Wild Card, while the White Sox have lost three of four games and hold a slim division lead in the NL Central.
