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In Monday's game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves, tensions escalated between Dodgers catcher Will Smith and Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna. The game, already highly competitive between two division leaders, saw the Dodgers come back from a four-run deficit to win 8-6.
The incident occurred in the fourth inning when Marcell Ozuna came up to bat against Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone. Ozuna hit a lazy fly ball to left field but followed through with an exaggerated swing that accidentally struck Smith on the head. Ozuna immediately turned to check on Smith before attempting to run to first base.
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Will Smith quite understandbly walked up to Ozuna and gave him a mouthful. He seemed to be quite unhappy with his bat swing. Ozuna appeared apologetic afterward, and his teammates guided him back to the dugout. Careful lip reading of Smith would indicate him pointing out "this is the fifth time you've done it" and "you've got to clean it up".
"Hit me in the head with the bat pretty hard," Smith said after the game. "It's not the first time he's done it to me. I just felt like I had to say something about it."
Smith's reaction is understandable considering his recent history of concussion-related issues. He had been placed on the Injury List earlier in the season, so he understandably wants to avoid unnecessary head strikes, especially if they can be prevented.
Bullpens almost clear after Will Smith and Marcell Ozuna's 'interaction'
Both bullpens almost cleared entirely at the sight of Will Smith and Marcell Ozuna getting together. However, thankfully for both sets of players, things didn't boil over between the two and the field quickly was cleared for the game to continue.
The Braves held a 4-1 lead before the Dodgers mounted a remarkable comeback. All eyes will be on Ozuna as he faces Smith in the second and third games of the series, and fans will be watching closely to see if any lingering tensions arise from their interaction.
