Upset pitcher Bauer throws ball over CF fence

Trevor Bauer showed his frustrations after surrendering the Cleveland Indians‘ lead to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday by throwing a baseball from the mound over the center-field fence at Kauffman Stadium.

Bauer threw the ball as manager Terry Francona was coming on the field to take him out of the game. The Indians manager appeared upset at Bauer’s actions and pointed to the dugout as he met the right-hander at the mound with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning. Bauer appeared to acknowledge that he was in the wrong, putting his hand on his chest as Francona met him.

After the game, which the Royals won 9-6, Bauer apologized for his behavior and said his actions weren’t directed at his teammates.

“I want to be clear that my frustrations were with myself and my inability to stop the situation and keep my team in the game,” Bauer said. “I’m an intense competitor. That fire is what drives me. Today, it completely consumed me and took over.”

He added about his heave: “It was unbecoming. It was childish. Unprofessional. There’s no place for it in the game.”

Bauer’s actions surprised his teammates, particularly second baseman Mike Freeman, who flinched as Bauer threw the ball. Rookie center fielder Oscar Mercado had his back turned and was looking at the wall when he saw the ball land, and spun around, trying to figure out what happened.

Francona followed Bauer into the dugout and both disappeared into the tunnel. Both reappeared in the dugout later in the inning, separate but both apparently fuming.

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Bauer gave up a single to shallow right by Cheslor Cuthbert that tied the score at 5 and then a two-run single to center by Nicky Lopez that made it 7-5, ending his day after 4⅓ innings. After Lopez’s hit, Bauer tossed the ball at the backstop. He then made the throw over center field.

Former Cincinnati Reds reliever Rob Dibble was suspended four games and fined by Major League Baseball in 1991 when he threw a ball into the stands at Riverfront Stadium, hitting a woman. There were no fans in the vicinity of where Bauer threw the ball Sunday.

Bauer matched career highs in runs (eight) and earned runs (seven) allowed Sunday, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.