White Sox’ Tim Anderson, Guardians’ Jose Ramirez ejected after benches clearing fight

CLEVELAND — White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson and Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez went toe-to-toe in a dukes-up boxing match near second base Saturday night, and both players were ejected after their fisticuffs sparked a benches clearing brawl at Progressive Field.

In a 7-4 Sox loss that halted a five-game losing streak, Ramirez and Anderson were the main event. The All-Star infielders got tangled up at second base after Ramirez slid safely on a double in the sixth inning, and from the ground, Ramirez pushed back at Anderson’s leg as the shortstop straddled him. When Ramirez got up, he pointed a finger close to Anderson’s cap. Anderson, much like a hockey fighter, then dropped his fielder’s glove and put up his fists. Ramirez also raised his fists, and the two exchanged glancing blows before Ramirez decked Anderson to the ground with a punch.

Second base umpire Malachi Moore got between Anderson and Ramirez initially but backed away, letting the pair square off.

Players and coaches were involved in an intense scrum, and well after the benches cleared, Sox manager Pedro Grifol and Guardians manager Terry Francona also got into a heated exchange, and both were ejected. Guardians third base coach Mike Sarbaugh and Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase were ejected as well.

Sarbaugh and Grifo appeared to raise their hands on each other in the midst of a second flurry.

Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn but a bear hug around Anderson to restrain him after the altercation, and escorted him to the dugout. Several other players, including Touki Toussaint, Yasmani Grandal and Elvis Andrus and coach Daryl Boston helped restrain Anderson.

Anderson tried getting back on the field and Vaughn had to hold him back again.

Play stopped for 14 minutes.

Kopech takes no-hitter into sixth

Michael Kopech took a bumpy no-hitter into the sixth inning, and Luis Robert Jr., Andrew Vaughn, Oscar Colas and Elvis Andrus homered against Noah Syndergaard, helping the Sox build a 5-0 lead. The Sox were trying to halt a a five-game losing streak.

Kopech, who was 1-5 with nine homers allowed and a 5.65 ERA in his previous seven starts, walked four and struck out three. He gave up three hits, including the Ramirez double that started the fight.

It was the third time Kopech, who lowered his ERA to 4.43, held an opponent hitless for five innings this season.

Honeywell claimed on waivers, Ramsey selected

Right-hander Brent Honeywell was claimed off waivers from the Padres and 6-9 right-hander Lane Ramsey had his contracted selected from Triple-A Charlotte.

Ramsey and Twins pitcher Bailey Ober are the only active players in the majorst listed at 6-9 or taller.

A ground-ball pitcher who has allowed eight homers, Honeywell was designated for assignment Wednesday. He owns a 4.05 ERA over 46 ²⁄₃ relief innings this season

Honeywell, 28, is a former top Padres prospect who has undergone four surgeries on his elbow, including Tommy John.

Ramsey, 27, who owns 5.50 ERA with six saves in 32 relief appearances, stood in a major league clubhouse for the first time, realizing a lifelong dream.

“Ever since you’re a little kid playing T-ball,” Ramsay said. “Working with your dad and your friends, you grow for this moment. It’s super exciting. Very thankful for the opportunity.”

This and that

Right-hander Gregory Santos was placed on the Bereavement List. Santos, who had assumed a closer’s role in recent days, will be on it for a minimum of three days.