Watch: 6-foot-7 Oneil Cruz was ready to throw it down during bench-clearing scene

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Watch: 6-foot-7 Oneil Cruz was ready to throw it down during bench-clearing scene

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Sep 10, 2026 11:40 AM ET

Oneil Cruz looked ready to use his great size advantage during a heated moment in Wednesday’s game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field in Chicago, Ill.

Benches and bullpen cleared in the seventh inning after Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe did not like White Sox second baseman Sam Antonacci sticking his elbow out while sliding into second base.

The two traded words, leading players from both sides onto the field, but the situation did not devolve beyond fiery exchanges.

Here is the video of the slide and the big scrum of players that followed.

Things got heated between the Pirates and White Sox after Sam Antonacci caught Brandon Lowe with his elbow while sliding into second.

The two exchanged words before benches and bullpens cleared. pic.twitter.com/hIpgeuDNxZ
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) September 10, 2026

Perhaps the presence of hulking outfielder Oneil Cruz helped calm down the situation, as no one in their right mind would dare challenge the 6-foot-7 slugger in a no-holds-barred fight.

Cruz rushed into the middle of it but looked calm, letting his intimidating size do the talking. He was held back by a member of the White Sox, as Antonacci continued to bark at Lowe. Antonacci stands 5-foot-11, so if he was going to mix it up right there, it wouldn’t be against Cruz, who’s got several inches and pounds on him.

Order was soon restored, with no players ejected and no one’s teeth knocked out.

As for the game, the Pirates won, 4-2, on a day they used relievers exclusively on the mound.

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