Angels, Mariners brawl after Wantz throws at Rodriguez, Winker

Things got heated between the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium, as Sunday's game between the AL West rivals erupted into a full-scale brawl in the second inning.

Angels hurler Andrew Wantz, who was announced as their opener just a few hours before first pitch, threw at Seattle's Julio Rodriguez in the first inning. Warnings were then issued. Wantz hit Jesse Winker in the top of the second, leading Winker to charge the Angels' dugout, which kick-started the brawl that lasted for several minutes.

Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon, who's currently on the injured list, went after Winker while wearing a cast on his injured wrist. Mariners veteran and ex-Angel Justin Upton was also in the middle of the pile.

Winker - who directed an obscene gesture at Angels fans while leaving the field - was one of four Mariners ejected, alongside Rodriguez, manager Scott Servais, and shortstop J.P. Crawford. The Angels lost Wantz, relievers Raisel Iglesias and Ryan Tepera, and skipper Phil Nevin.

A second fight between Winker and Iglesias - formerly teammates in Cincinnati - nearly erupted before both were finally restrained. Iglesias then unleashed his anger by smashing water coolers in the dugout and throwing a container of sunflower seeds onto the field.

Sunday's brawl appears to have stemmed from an incident less than 24 hours earlier. Mariners reliever Erik Swanson threw a fastball over Mike Trout's head in the ninth inning of Saturday's game, angering the Angels superstar.

"If you can't pitch inside, don't pitch inside," Trout said after Saturday's game, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. "If you're going to hit me, hit me in the ribs. Don't hit me in the head. I don't know if that's the intent, but ... Anything at the head, you don't do that."

Swanson, who intentionally walked Trout after the pitch in question before closing out a 5-3 Seattle win moments later, said there was no intent.

The Angels and Mariners have 11 games left against one another after Sunday. Their next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5 in Seattle.

Los Angeles won Sunday's game 2-1 to avoid being swept.