The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, leaders of the AL East, on Saturday. However, the game was notably disrupted by a pregame incident leading to three ejections.

Prior to the first pitch, three players were ejected in a surprising turn of events. The third-base umpire ejected Angels’ reliever Brent Suter and Rays’ pitchers Steven Wilson and Manuel Rodríguez. This action resulted from a “standoff” situation that arose during the national anthem at Tropicana Field.

Directly following the anthem, Suter was seen standing near the third-base dugout, while Wilson and Rodríguez positioned themselves near the first-base dugout, accompanied by the Rays’ mascots.

As preparations for the game continued, with Drew Rasmussen set to pitch and Zach Neto of the Angels prepared to bat, the unusual incident unfolded. The umpire motioned for the ejection of the three players involved.

Despite the disruptions, the game proceeded as planned. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki had previously utilized Brent Suter in Friday’s series opener. Suter’s availability for consecutive games on Saturday was uncertain.

Rodríguez and Wilson have not yet played this season. Rodríguez is recovering from elbow surgery, while Wilson is dealing with lumbar disc inflammation.

The Angels secured a commanding 14-3 victory. The series finale will occur on Sunday afternoon, with the teams currently tied in the three-game set.