Brawl breaks out in AFL action

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- A rare Arizona Fall League brawl broke out Saturday afternoon after Scottsdale Scorpions right-hander Josh Winckowski (BOS 18) hit Peoria Javelinas pinch-hitter Canaan Smith-Njigba (PIT 27) with the first pitch of the ninth inning.

Smith-Njigba immediately charged the mound and took down Winckowski with a tackle, prompting both dugouts and bullpens to clear. When order was restored, plate umpire Nestor Ceja ejected both players.

The two teams had played the day before, with Pirates No. 4 prospect Nick Gonzales exiting the game early after being hit in the hand by a pitch. After Smith-Njigba’s ejection, the 6-foot, 240-pound outfielder screamed for several minutes at the Scorpions.

There were no apparent injuries resulting from the brawl. Giants right-hander Gregory Santos (No. 24) relieved Winckowski and recorded the final three outs to finish off Scottsdale's 11-7 victory.