×

Jones applauded, Red Sox down Orioles as rivalry escalates

The Associated Press

BOSTON — Moments after Chris Sale joined Fenway Park fans in a show of respect for Adam Jones, the Boston ace escalated the feud with Baltimore star Manny Machado.

Sale stepped off the mound to let a standing ovation build in the first inning Tuesday as Jones approached the plate, a day after he was racially taunted at the ballpark.

But when Machado came up next, Sale threw a pitch behind his legs. After the Red Sox won 5-2, Machado was irate — and Sale was unapologetic.

“I lost my respect for that organization, Boston and how they’re handling that whole situation,” Machado said in an expletive-filled rant.

“If they’re going to hit me, hit me. Go ahead. Get it over with. Don’t keep lingering it around and doing that. I’ve lost mad respect for that team and that organization,” he said.

Told about Machado’s tirade, Sale shrugged it off.

“Whatever, man. I’m not losing sleep tonight,” Sale said.

Jones, meanwhile, acknowledged the reception from the fans and Sale’s reaction. Earlier in the day, the Orioles center fielder received a personal apology from Red Sox team president Sam Kennedy on behalf of the club.

On Monday, Jones was targeted with racial slurs, and a bag of peanuts was thrown in his direction.

“Just appreciative that action was taken and not everybody feels the same way as selected people,” Jones said. “Sale, who works extremely fast, took his time and let it relish a little bit, so I appreciate the sentiments.”

Said Sale: “I wanted to show him the respect he’s earned — he deserved. We have a great fan base here. I don’t want a few idiots to mess that up.”

“Boston fans came together and did the right thing today. Plain and simple. Adam’s one of the best players in the game. He’s very well respected. He’s a good guy. I know him. He’s a good person. I don’t think anybody deserves to go through anything like that,” he said.

But Sale didn’t treat Machado so warmly.

Emotions have been elevated since Machado injured Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia on a slide April 21 at Baltimore. Pedroia missed the next three games. Two days after the slide, Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes threw a fastball behind Machado’s head and was suspended.

Baltimore’s Dylan Bundy hit Mookie Betts near the left hip with a fastball in Monday’s series opener, drawing boos.

After Sale threw behind Machado, plate umpire D.J. Reyburn immediately issued a warning to both teams. Orioles manager Buck Showalter came out for a lengthy discussion with Reyburn, Boston manager John Farrell remained in his dugout.

Sale (2-2) struck out the side in the first, getting Jones and Machado, and fanned 11 in eight innings.

Machado hit a ball completely out of the park for the second straight night, connecting off Sale in the seventh.

Sale wasn’t interested in a back-and-forth with Machado.

“That’s part of it,” Sale said. “I can’t speak on what he says. I don’t know what he said. I’m not too worried about it, either.”

Hanley Ramirez homered twice for Boston. The Red Sox also hit into a bizarre triple play that began when shortstop J.J. Hardy had a popup fall behind him in shallow left field.

Sale gave up three hits. Craig Kimbrel got three straight outs for his AL-leading ninth save in 10 chances.

Betts hit a two-run double.

Alec Asher (1-1) gave up three runs and six hits in six innings.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today