Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon said there were a few reasons for his decision to issue an intentional walk to Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager with the bases loaded Friday night, including a desire to light a fire under his own team.
"I thought by walking Seager, it would avoid the big blow," Maddon told reporters. "And just to stir up the group, quite frankly. It's not something you normally do. I thought by going up there and doing something like that, the team might respond to something like that."
The Angels trailed 3-2 when Seager stepped to the plate.