DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers hit one batter. The New York Yankees responded by throwing at another.
That should have ended the drama at Comerica Park Thursday afternoon.
But an unexpected fight at home plate between Miguel Cabrera and Yankees catcher Austin Romine sparked a massive brawl in the sixth inning and then a series of retaliatory incidents throughout the rest of the game.
Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle had just been ejected for throwing behind Cabrera, a response to Tigers starter Michael Fulmer hitting Gary Sanchez one inning earlier.
New pitcher Aroldis Chapman was getting ready to throw his first pitch when Cabrera started swinging at Romine.