Roberts Accuses Machado of Intentional Throw in NLDS Game 2: Did Machado Cross the Line?
The 2018 National League Division Series (NLDS) between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves was a tense and emotional affair. And in Game 2, things heated up even more when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts accused Braves star Manny Machado of intentionally throwing at Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill.
The incident occurred in the 6th inning with the Braves trailing 3-0. Hill, already battling with the Braves offense, threw a pitch that was close to Machado's head. Machado responded by immediately throwing his bat in the direction of Hill. The bat skipped harmlessly towards the mound, but Roberts immediately saw it as a deliberate attempt to injure his pitcher.
"I thought it was intentional," Roberts said after the game. "I think it was reckless, to say the least."
The controversy sparked a heated debate among fans and pundits alike. Some saw Machado's actions as a reckless display of frustration, while others believed it was a calculated attempt to intimidate Hill.
Here's what we know:
- Machado was visibly frustrated by Hill's pitches, which he perceived as being too close to his head.
- The Braves had lost the first game of the series and were facing a potential 2-0 deficit.
- Machado had a history of aggressive play on the field, including several instances of "hustle" that bordered on dirty play.
Here's where the debate gets interesting:
- Intentional or Unintentional? There's no question that throwing a bat towards a pitcher is dangerous, even if it doesn't hit them. Was it a deliberate attempt to injure Hill, or just an emotional outburst?
- The "Hustle" Argument: Some fans and commentators defended Machado, saying his reaction was simply an example of playing "hard" and "with passion." But does that excuse throwing a bat towards an opponent?
- Impact on the Series: The incident undoubtedly added a layer of tension and bad blood to the series. Was Machado's actions a sign of things to come?
Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide whether they believe Machado's actions were intentional or not. But there's no denying that the incident sparked a heated debate about the line between aggressive play and dangerous behavior in baseball.
The incident also raised questions about the role of the umpire in such situations. Should the umpire have issued a warning to Machado or even ejected him from the game?
The incident between Roberts and Machado was a microcosm of the intense rivalry between the Dodgers and the Braves, and it served as a reminder that the lines between passion and recklessness can be blurred in the heat of the moment.
It's a story that will continue to be debated for years to come.
