The Arizona Diamondbacks were not happy with home plate umpire Tim Timmons’ strike zone on Sunday in St. Louis. It actually started with the first batter of the game, when David Peralta appeared to draw ball four, but Timmons called it strike three.
This is the pitch on which Peralta was rung up in the first inning. pic.twitter.com/O8xHAxaOGl
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) April 8, 2018
And to lead off the top of the second inning, A.J. Pollock also thought he drew a walk, but Timmons again called a low strike three.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo then ran out to argue with Timmons about the strike zone, and all hell broke loose. St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina and Lovullo got into it, and Molina shoved away Timmons while going after Lovullo. Naturally, the benches cleared.
Here’s a look at it on the Cardinals’ feed (Dan McLaughlin and Tim McCarver):
And here’s the Arizona broadcast (Steve Berthiaume and Bob Brenly):
* A.J. Pollock and David Peralta yelling at the ump.
* Torey Lovullo’s first ejection of the season.
* Yadier Molina going after Lovullo.
* Both dugouts/bullpens clear.“This all instigated by a horrible strike 3 call again by Tim Timmons.” — Bob Brenly. pic.twitter.com/MWfftMwV2t
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) April 8, 2018
Somehow, only Lovullo was ejected from the game. You’d think Molina would’ve also been ejected for going after Lovullo, and you’d *especially* think Molina would be ejected for shoving an umpire.