WATCH: NPB players share warm hug instead of brawl at All-Star series game following wild pitch, MLB Twitter reacts

On Thursday during Game 2 of the NPB All-star series, a dramatic event occured. Aren Kuri and Yutari Sugimoto seemed to go at each other. The duo though shared a warm hug to the huge applause of the crowd.


WATCH: NPB players share warm hug instead of brawl at All-Star series game following wild pitch, MLB Twitter reacts

Aren Kuri and Yutaro Sugimoto sharing a hug (Pic Credit: Twitter)

In the vast world of baseball, brawls and fights are the most common thing. While some of these things are often regarded as poor sportsmanship and unethical, fans surely love to watch a good fight. Several brawls have been reported in the MLB over the years. However, what happened during game 2 of Japan’s NPB All-Star series shocked the world.

To start a brawl in baseball, all a pitcher has to do is throw a fastball. Whether it hits the batter or not is something different, the hitter is usually seen exchanging a few words. Often this further results in trading some punches. On Thursday, Hiroshima Carp pitcher Aren Kuri threw a wild fastball to Orix Buffaloes outfielder Yutaro Sugimoto. The pitch went flying past him. This lead to the hitter charging forward. Instead of attacking him, Sugimoto gave him a warm hug.

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At first instant, it seemed that Sugimoto was very angry. He did have a reason as the ball just went past his head. As he charged forward, the fans held their breath together to witness what would unfold. Kuri was probably ready too as he prepared for the worst. To everyone’ surprise, the duo shared a hug. This move was followed by huge ovation from the crowd.

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Twitter reacts as Aren Kuri and Yutaro Sugimoto share warm hug instead of fierce fight

When it comes to fights among players, American sports have witnessed plenty of it. Even in Major League Baseball (MLB), several instances of massive brawls with dugouts being cleared have been seen. What transpired on Thursday in Japan was something unusual. The Asian country is known for its rich tradition and cultural values, so perhaps a fight was always off the cards.

This movement turned so big that fans quickly forgot about the game. After winning the first game 8-1, the Pacific team took Game 2 as well. They defeated the Central team 6-1 to take the NPB All-Star series. MLB Twitter was full of light jokes and trolls, Check out some of the reactions below.

Whether this action was pre-planned or happened all of a sudden is something that cannot be said at the moment. Baseball fans were surely overwhelmed by what transpired on Thursday. Whether something like this could ever happen in MLB is a completely different topic. The way things have gone on in the past, it certainly does not feel like it.

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