A grudge boiling since Jose Bautista's bat flip in last season's playoffs erupted between the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers.
Bautista slid hard into second baseman Rougned Odor, who took exception and clocked the outfielder with a solid punch to his jaw.
Players from both teams cleared the benches and rushed the field.
"I was pretty surprised," Bautista said on the punch. "I mean, obviously, that's the only reason that he got me, and he got me pretty good, so I have to give him that. It takes a little bit bigger man to knock me down."
Bautista had reached base after being hit by a pitch from Rangers pitcher Matt Bush.
"I tried to send a message that I didn't appreciate getting hit [by the pitch]," Bautista explained on his aggressive slide.
Umpires needed about 10 minutes to restore order.
Earlier in the contest, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was ejected for arguing a call on balls and strikes.
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