Rockies, Cardinals engage in playful post-anthem standoff

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Brayan Pena, center, celebrates with teammates after right fielder Jose Martinez won a stand off against Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Carlos Estevez after the teams dispersed following the playing of the National Anthem before the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 in Denver. Umpires forced the two players to stand down to allow the start of play. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) St. Louis Cardinals catcher Brayan Pena, center, celebrates with teammates after right fielder Jose Martinez won a stand off against Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Carlos Estevez after the teams dispersed following the playing of the National Anthem before the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 in Denver. Umpires forced the two players to stand down to allow the start of play. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By Associated Press September 21, 2016 1 min read

DENVER (AP) – Colorado reliever Carlos Estevez and St. Louis outfielder Jose Martinez faced each other in an unusual way – a playful post-national anthem standoff .

With Wednesday’s game about to start, Estevez and Martinez stood near their dugouts – with their hand over their heart – and refused to back down until the other moved first.

Martinez’s teammates offered support by bringing him water and a batting helmet. Estevez’s teammates countered by spraying him with sunscreen and giving him a catcher’s mask. The befuddled umpiring crew didn’t quite know what to do.

Apparently, Estevez relented first and made a winner of Martinez, who jumped up and down in celebration before retreating to the dugout.

The start of the game was delayed several minutes by the good-natured prank.