The Brawl that started it all

What I have noticed this year in MLB is that there are fewer dugout-emptying brawls than in previous years. Yesterday's game between the Indians and the Red Sox may have proved me wrong.

In the third inning, Red Sox starting pitcher hits Indians' right fielder Sin-Soo-Choo in the lower right leg. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Indians' relief pitcher Justin Germano pitches behind Red Sox designated hitter David "Big Papi" Ortiz.

Then, here's where bad turns to worse. The next Indians' relief pitcher - Jensen Lewis - throws behind All-Star third baseman Adrian Beltre. Beltre starts to storm the mound, but is held back by the umpire and Indians' catcher Lou Marson. Then, this happens:

Click on the image to see the drama! (photo and video courtesy of MLB)

I think this is the spark of a new rivalry this year - we'll see in the upcoming Red Sox - Indians games this week if more tempers flare after this mess.