Benches clear in Astros-Angels after HBP

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Benches clear in Astros-Angels after Hunter Brown hits Zach Neto with pitch

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 12:00 AM ET

Benches cleared during the third inning of Friday’s game between the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, after Hunter Brown hit Zach Neto with a pitch.

Neto was batting with a runner on second, one out and his Angels down 2-0 to the Astros in the bottom of the third inning. Brown came inside with a 95 mph pitch that hit Neto near the hand. The Angels shortstop was upset immediately with Brown. Neto angrily complained that Brown had now hit him twice. (He also hit him with a pitch last year.) Brown appeared to tell Neto to get off the plate — referring to how Neto was crowding it.

Benches clear in Anaheim after Hunter Brown hits Zach Neto pic.twitter.com/Qv0D6V0JsA
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 21, 2025

Brown was dropping some F-bombs. Both he and Neto had to be restrained as their teammates cleared out of the dugout to join them on the field. Players emptied out of the bullpens as well to join in.

Brown, 26, entered the game with some impressive statistics. He was 8-3 with a 1.88 ERA prior to his start on Friday. He has averaged 96.9 mph on his fastball, suggesting that it definitely hurt when Neto got hit.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: