Braves starter Kevin Gausman earned an ejection for throwing behind Marlins pitcher Jose Urena on Friday.
Here's the pitch behind Jose Ureña that got Kevin Gausman ejected. pic.twitter.com/VDXV8GBHQm
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) May 3, 2019
The pitch was apparent retaliation for Ureña plunking Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. last August with the first pitch of a game. Acuna had hit a home run the previous three contests before that hit-by-pitch.
Urena's offering to Acuna came in at 97.5 mph which was the hardest pitch he had thrown on the year to that point, according to Statcast.
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Here’s the first pitch of the game by Marlins pitcher Jose Urena. Ronald Acuna still down on the field. Acuna has hit leadoff HR in 3 straight games. Good luck at the plate Urena. #garbagemove pic.twitter.com/n5oRs5OSep
— Brendan Robertson (@BrendanWJBF) August 15, 2018
The benches cleared in that game as Acuna had to leave due to injury.
Gausman really wasn't hiding his desire to retaliate when speaking to reporters on Thursday about the possibility of seeing Urena in the box.
"I think he (Ureña) decided he was going to handle it a certain way," Gausman told The Athletic. "I don’t agree with it, but it’s his career and he’s going to have to deal with the consequences."
And tomorrow Gausman scheduled starter vs. the Marlins and Urena.....who finally will have to step to the plate vs. the #braves https://t.co/wqpphOysnh
— Rob Del Muro (@rdel76) May 3, 2019
Urena was suspended six games for his actions last season. Acuna would ultimately miss no games as a result of the plunking.