Aaron Judge drilled by painfully obvious beanball as Orioles escalate HBP war

It seemed fairly obvious, even to Orioles fans, that any hit-by-pitch with semi-clear intent for the remainder of the Yankees' final series before the All-Star break should result in ejection, following the events of the last two sets between these two teams.

Apparently, Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer felt no need to be cautious about repercussions on Sunday afternoon.

After the two sides avoided controversy on Friday, Brandon Hyde got what he wanted in the first inning of Sunday's contest. Kremer, with two outs and no one on, went up and in on the first pitch to Aaron Judge, plunking him on his elbow guard.

Kremer was allowed to continue pitching. Now, Yankee fans are forced to wait on any potential next steps, hoping that Carlos Rodón's control doesn't betray him and deplete the bullpen. After all, now that the Orioles took the first shot on Sunday and came out scot-free, it seems likely any repercussions will fall on the Yankees. That's what you get for ... accidentally hitting Heston Kjerstad in the rain, we guess.

Yankees' All-Star Aaron Judge plunked by Orioles to start Sunday matinee

Kjerstad was sent to the concussion IL on Saturday after initially planning to play Game 2 of this three-game set, far and away the worst possible outcome. Kjerstad's health is of paramount importance, and hopefully he isn't continuing to battle ill effects of Clay Holmes' poor, rain-soaked control when the second half resumes.

But still, the circumstances surrounding that moment have dictated far too much silliness already. Holmes, on a cold snap, lost control of an 0-2 pitch in wet conditions. With Kjerstad on the ground and Hyde surrounding him, Holmes moved toward the action, showing contrition. Hyde barred that, snapping, "F** you" in Holmes' direction in the heat of the moment and escalating the drama.

At that point, Hyde claimed the Yankees' dugout was "chirping," which set him off. If true, the chirping was -- in all likelihood -- due to the disallowed comforting and unnecessary othering of Holmes.

In other words ... hell yeah, Sunday's HBP was intentional.

The Yankees and Orioles are so close to the finish line here. After Saturday's action went off without a hitch, there was less than no reason to return to Friday night's mood this afternoon.

Unfortunately, Hyde's bunch disagreed.