Evan Marshall was ejected in the 7th inning of Tuesday’s Diamondbacks-Brewers game for hitting Ryan Braun with a pitch, and Arizona manager Kirk Gibson couldn’t have been prouder.
Marshall needed two pitches to intentionally hit Braun because he threw behind the slugger the first pitch of the at-bat before finally nailing him on the hip with the next pitch. He got a warning after the first pitch and then was tossed after the HBP.
Marshall exited the field to cheers from the crowd and an applause from his teammates in the dugout. And who was there to give him the warmest greeting when he got into the dugout? Gibson, who was on the top step with a fist bump waiting.
Marshall hitting Braun seemed to be retaliation for what Brewers pitcher Kyle Lohse did earlier in the game.
Lohse hit Arizona shortstop Chris Owings with nobody on and nobody out in the sixth inning. He then went/missed high at Mike Bolsinger on a bunt attempt two batters later.
Marshall came in to relieve Bolsinger in the 7th and nailed Braun with men on second and third to load up the bases. Almost as poetic justice, Brad Ziegler immediately gave up a grand slam to Jonathan Lucroy to give the Brewers the lead and game.
Maybe Gibby was just proud of his player for retaliating just the way he wanted. You know Kirk has an edge and loves that sort of thing. Also, don’t forget that Gibson simply dislikes Braun. After the Brewers MVP was punished last season by MLB for the PEDs, Gibson ripped him up and down for being a cheater. That’s probably another reason why this was so satisfying for Gibby.
GIF via Chad Moriyama
