Sports08 April, 20261 min read
Soler Charges Mound After Horseshoe Brawl with Lopez
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Soler charged the mound after Lopez's high-inside pitch that tipped Heim's glove; both ejected. In Anaheim, Braves won 7-2 as Lopez pitched 4⅔ innings with seven strikeouts before ejection.
Brawl Erupts in Fifth
Jorge Soler charged the mound after Lopez threw a high, inside pitch that went to the backstop. Soler had homered off Lopez in his first at-bat and was hit by a pitch in his second. After a staredown, the two began exchanging punches with Lopez still holding the ball.
Braves manager Walt Weiss tackled Soler to prevent further damage. Both Soler and Lopez were ejected. The Braves went on to win 7-2.
Context of Escalation
The brawl did not erupt in isolation. Lopez had surrendered a two-run homer in the first then hit Soler with a 96-mph fastball in the third.
Soler said Lopez said something to him that he did not like. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki defended Soler.
Aftermath
Jeimer Candelario replaced Soler and struck out. Lopez walked two batters and then exited. Nine Braves had at least one hit.
The fight snapped Atlanta's three-game skid and ended the Angels' three-game winning streak. Soler was in good spirits after the game.