'Allegations of Insults Against Lee Jung-hoo': SF Ace Who Threw at Catcher in Retaliation Says "I Didn't See the LEE Incident," But Roberts Insists "It Was Intentional" — May Showdown Already Ignites

*This content was translated by AI.

"(The incident between Lee Jung-hoo and Rushing?) I didn't see it. I just threw at his body."

San Francisco Giants' "No. 1 starter" and "ace" Logan Webb (30) spoke with a stern expression. This was his response when asked if he intentionally threw the pitch due to the "insult controversy" that erupted between his teammate, outfielder Lee Jung-hoo (28), and Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (25).

However, it appears few in the local area believe Webb's statement. Even Dave Roberts (54), the manager of the opposing team, expressed certainty that Webb's action was "protection for a teammate," further heating up the scheduled rematch in May.

The incident occurred during the final game of a three-game series between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, on the 24th (Korean time) as part of the "2026 Major League Baseball" season. In the bottom of the sixth inning with one out, Webb, who had started the game, threw a 93 mph (approximately 150 km/h) fastball directly at Rushing's ribs as he stepped into the batter's box. The circumstances clearly pointed to a "retaliatory pitch."

The origins of these circumstances trace back to a game on the 22nd. Local reports raised allegations that Rushing hurled inappropriate insults at Lee Jung-hoo, who was tagged out while attempting to score at home plate in the bottom of the sixth inning. Broadcast footage clearly captured Rushing's lip movements, and the incident spread rapidly via local social media. This added credibility to the scene of Lee Jung-hoo, who is not known for expressing emotions easily, becoming visibly angry.

As the controversy grew, Rushing denied the allegations outright ahead of the 23rd game, stating, "I never used profanity." According to multiple outlets including The Athletic, Rushing conveyed through Dodgers player Kim Hye-sung (27) that it was a misunderstanding. Nevertheless, it appears the San Francisco players' roster still harbors negative feelings toward Rushing.

Ultimately, it seems the Giants' "ace" Webb took direct action. According to Dodgers Nation, after the 24th game, Webb stated, "I didn't see what happened to Lee Jung-hoo at all. I was just trying to battle inside," denying any intent.

However, Dodgers manager Roberts held a different view. In an interview with local media after the game, Roberts said of the pitch that hit Webb, "It was probably intentional." He added, "Webb is an old-school player. I understand what he was trying to do. He was probably trying to protect his teammate," delivering a pointed remark. While certain it was a retaliatory pitch, Roberts seemed to accept it as a "way of baseball" that can occur in a rivalry game.

Rushing, the party directly involved in the incident, responded after being hit by the pitch and reaching first base by attempting a rough "tackle" on second baseman Luis Arraez during a ground ball hit by the following batter, Kim Hye-sung. In response, San Francisco second baseman Luis Arraez did not hide his displeasure, stating, "It's not good baseball."

The emotional clash between the two teams, which began with the conflict surrounding Lee Jung-hoo, now appears to be escalating beyond a simple game to the level of war. The San Francisco players' roster is understood to be angry after their team's star player, Lee Jung-hoo, seemed to be humiliated by Rushing, who is nearly a rookie. This reached its peak with the retaliatory pitch.

The final game of the three-game series on the 24th was won by the Dodgers with a 3-0 score. San Francisco, which had won both previous games, failed to complete a sweep. The next matchup between the two teams is scheduled for a four-game series starting May 12, to be held at the Dodgers' home stadium. Locals in the U.S. are already raising concerns about potential warning pitches from Dodgers pitchers toward Lee Jung-hoo or further responses from San Francisco, with a sense of impending conflict already in the air. The rivalry between the two teams, which boasts the highest history in Major League Baseball, is approaching a state of imminent explosion after encountering a new fuse: "Lee Jung-hoo."

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*This content was translated by AI.