Tensions between the Mariners and Astros were rising at T-Mobile Park as the playoff race heated up in its final days.
On Wednesday night in Seattle, the two rivals of the American League West engaged in combat.
Houston's backup In the sixth inning of the Astros' eventual 8-3 victory, Hector Neris whiffed Mariners All-Star Julio Rodriguez and then mocked him, causing the benches on both sides to clear.
Neris ended the sixth inning by getting Rodriguez out swinging after three splitters in a row.
The right-handed pitcher, however, wasn't content with the inning-ending punchout.
Neris charged toward Rodriguez, who was walking back to the home dugout, and had a few words for the outfielders, though it was unclear what he said.
The reliever was then prodded toward the third base dugout by first baseman Jose Abreu, but at that point, an angry Rodriguez turned around and walked toward Neris, leading both benches and bullpens to empty.
Neris was back in the dugout when Rodriguez was spotted yelling at him.
According to team spokesman Adam Gresch, Rodriguez expressed disbelief at how Neris treated him.