Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

College baseball teams brawl after pitcher smashes into runner

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 4:50 PM ET

A college baseball fight erupted Sunday for an unusual reason: a pitcher tagging a baserunner.

Things got heated during Sunday’s game between the Central Michigan Chippewas and Toledo Rockets at Keilitz Field in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Toledo left fielder Luke Walton hit a slow tapper up the first base line which was fielded by Central Michigan pitcher Max Hammond. Hammond applied the tag, which wound up being more of a shove and sent Walton to the ground.

Pitcher knocks the runner to the ground and benches clear. Both the pitcher and runner were ejected pic.twitter.com/2EZlr3NPkY
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 22, 2026

Naturally, Walton took offense to this and both benches cleared. Hammond looked more than ready to fight, but cooler heads prevailed before Hammond and Walton were both ejected.

College baseball brawls can often be more intense than those at higher levels of the sport. They can also be sparked by more unusual things, although it’s safe to say a tag like that would get a baserunner’s attention at any level.

The Chippewas ultimately got the last laugh. While Toledo rallied to tie the game in the ninth inning, Central Michigan ultimately won 6-5 in 11 innings.

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

More must-reads: