8 hours ago
Benches clear in Astros-Angels after Zach Neto takes exception to Hunter Brown HBP
Zach Neto had something to say to Hunter Brown. (Photo by)
Friday's game between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels got interesting in the third inning, courtesy of a hit-by-pitch for Zach Neto.
With an out and a man on second, the Angels shortstop appeared to take a 94.8 mph sinker to his hands from Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown. Neto was visibly furious about the pitch, yelling "That's twice," at Brown, who hit Neto with a different pitch last season.
Advertisement
Brown took exception to Neto's reaction, repeatedly and profanely telling him to stop crowding the plate. Cue the benches clearing, though with no punches thrown or ejections. Both Brown and Neto were guided away from each other.
Still in the game, Neto reached second on a Mike Trout walk but failed to score after Brown got the third out on a grounder from Taylor Ward.
It's worth noting that Brown might have had a point about Neto's proximity to the plate. Despite being one of MLB's smaller players at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, he is tied for ninth in the majors in hit-by-pitches with 36 since entering the league in 2023. The ball wasn't even that far off the plate on Friday, but Neto's hands swung around and ended up in an unfortunate place.
Advertisement
It's not a particularly pleasant part of his game, but his batting stance does get him the occasional free pass. As Neto said early in his career when asked if he's used to getting hit by pitches:
'I am. In college they tell us, 'Don't move your feet.' If the pitch is there and it hits you then it's a free base … on base percentage goes up.'
Brown finished his night with two hits and one run allowed in five innings, with four strikeouts and two walks. His ERA sits at an AL-best 1.88 through 15 starts.
