Watch: Umpire takes down Matt Kemp following hit-by-pitch
Umpire Jordan Baker was ready to prevent a fight at all costs during Thursday's Padres-Braves game.
Baker, notable for his Great Gatsby-evoking name and odd gum-disposing habits, tackled San Diego outfielder Matt Kemp after Kemp began to run at Braves pitcher Julio Teheran.
The incident occurred after Teheran hit Kemp with an 0-2 pitch to the shoulder in the first inning Thursday. It followed a controversial slide from Andrelton Simmons on Tuesday and a pair of hit batsmen on Wednesday.
Some of Kemp's fall appears attributable to his feet slipping out from under him, but a solid block from Baker certainly factored in.
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To borrow a football term, we'll credit the umpire with a pancake.
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- Alex Puttterman
