After splitting the first two games against the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers went into the rubber match needing a win to avoid losing their first series since losing two of three during their last visit to Oracle Park.
The Dodgers wound up edging their longtime rival, 1-0, behind a first-inning home run by Max Muncy. In addition to Muncy’s blast proving to be the difference for the Dodgers, it also sparked a confrontation with Giants ace Madison Bumgarner.
The fiery left-hander took exception to Muncy’s gaze and bat drop after making contact on a 426-foot drive that landed in McCovey Cove. Muncy’s actions were hardly egregious but they were enough to get Bumgarner to shout in his direction.
He also gestured for Muncy to begin jogging the bases rather than watch the flight of his homer. Muncy signaled back to Bumgarner as he rounded first, seemingly welcoming a potential physical altercation.
Following the Dodgers’ win, Muncy confirmed that Bumgarner wanted him to run. Muncy added his response to Bumgarner was he could retrieve the ball if he had issue with how the sequence unfolded. Muncy’s quote quickly went viral and spawned several t-shirt designs.
The 28-year-old wore one during batting practice before Saturday’s game at Dodger Stadium. Kiké Hernandez was also seen on the field in another design that referenced the incident.
Bumgarner and the Dodgers certainly are no strangers to being involved in dust-ups. He often sparred with Yasiel Puig, who took one of their altercations and designed a “#DontLookAtMe” t-shirt that he sent to Bumgarner.
Several of Puig’s teammates at the time showed their support by donning the shirts and posting pictures to social media. Considering Puig is no longer with the Dodgers and though he opted to wear the shirt, Muncy made it clear he does not want to become the new antagonist to Bumgarner.
As for his part in the matter, Bumgarner made it clear he does not intend to change his temperament or actions on the mound. Bumgarner cited MLB’s “Let the kids play” campaign and reasoned he should be allowed to be himself as well.
