Tempers flare as Rockies beat Braves 10-3

Thursday, June 12, 2014

photo Colorado Rockies' Justin Morneau reacts after swinging at pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning of his baseball game in Denver on Thursday, June 12, 2014.

DENVER - Corey Dickerson hit Atlanta catcher Gerald Laird with his backswing and tempers quickly flared, setting off a tense sequence and leading to several ejections Thursday as the Colorado Rockies beat the Braves 10-3.

The Rockies led 8-3 in the eighth when Dickerson knocked off Laird's facemask with his swing - it appeared accidental.

Laird was down for several minutes before walking off the field on his own and being replaced by Evan Gattis.

With his next pitch, Atlanta reliever David Carpenter hit Dickerson in the thigh and was ejected.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss bolted from the dugout and yelled at Carpenter, as well as in the general direction of Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. Weiss was held back by plate umpire Jordan Baker before being ejected.

In the ninth, Rockies reliever Nick Masset hit Gattis in the hip with a pitch. Both Masset and Rockies bench coach Tom Runnells were tossed.