Fan ‘Crossed The Line’ During Clash With Pirates Reliever

Tempers flared in the bullpen Thursday when Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana confronted a fan acting inappropriately during Game 2 of a doubleheader in Detroit.

The fan, wearing a Detroit Tigers hat and a Roberto Clemente shirt, had been heckling Santana, who eventually pointed him out to a police officer before confronting him. A security guard swiftly intervened, prompting Santana’s teammates to pull him away.

After the game, Santana explained the situation through an interpreter.

“You guys know me, I’m a calm-demeanor type of person,” Santana said. “I’ve never had any issues for any of the teams I’ve played for. This guy crossed the line a few times.”

He declined to reveal specifics of the fan’s jeers but called the incident a first in his eight-year career, per The Associated Press.

Shortly after the incident, Comerica Park security ejected the fan.

Santana, who entered in the ninth, faced one batter before the game was paused for a lengthy rain delay. David Bednar finished the game when play resumed, and the Pirates won 8-4 to split the doubleheader.

Santana said he spoke with bench coach Don Kelly about the confrontation.

“He knows I regret what I did,” Santana said. “You know I’m a professional.”

The 29-year-old quietly has been a steady presence for Pittsburgh this season, posting a 1.85 ERA.

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