WATCH: Ramon Laureano HBP Leads To A’s-Astros Brawl

This was just a matter of time. In fact, following the Houston Astros pitching scandals of 2015 and 2017 that revealed they secretly “stole signs” from visiting teams, it is surprising this hasn’t happened sooner.

Ramon Laureano had enough

During the seventh inning of Sunday’s Astros vs A’s game at the Coliseum, Oakland outfielder Ramón Laureano charged at Houston hitting coach Alex Cintrón after the two got into a shouting match.

Laureano had good reason. The A’s slugger was hit twice in Sunday’s game – with the second time looking downright intentional.

Laureano had plenty of reason to be upset. After some barking back and forth with several Astros, Laureano charged toward the Houston dugout. That is when the fun began!

In the end, Ramon Laureano and Houston manager Dusty Baker were both ejected following the melee.

Houston spiraling

The Astros, who were one of the favorites to win the 2020 World Series, have looked less than spectacular this season.

In fact, up to this point, the A’s look like they are ready to capture the AL West.

Oakland is off to a 12-4 start and is cruising along in the West. The Astros on the other hand are off to a 6-9 start to the campaign. Adding to Houston’s woes is an injury to star pitcher Justin Verlander.

JV may be out until September with an elbow injury – which doesn’t bode well for the Stros.

In a 60-game season anything can happen, and the A’s are proving that so far.