Angels, Yankees empty benches

The Angels' Torii Hunter and the Yankees' Ivan Rodriguez just exchanged unpleasantries at home plate in the sixth inning, causing both benches to empty. Hunter, who had just stolen two bases, was thrown out at home plate after a ground ball by Mike Napoli. Hunter didn't crash into Rodriguez, the Yankees catcher, but instead he gave him a firm nudge with his shoulder. After Rodriguez made the tag and the play was dead, he reached back and pushed Hunter with his glove hand.

An irate Hunter then walked up behind Rodriguez and shoved him hard enough to nearly make his catcher's mask pop off his head. Both benches emptied quickly and it did not appear that anybody was able to throw a punch. Hunter and Rodriguez were both ejected.

On on-field scrap might be just what the Angels need. They entered Monday's game with a lackluster 18-16 record since the end of July. They ended up scoring six runs in the inning to take an 8-1 lead.