Little little bit of the whole lot in Mexico City … even an anthem standoff

MEXICO CITY — Just about the whole lot within the Mexico City Series this weekend has been taken up a notch: the environment, the music, the run-scoring atmosphere. Heck, even nationwide anthem standoffs attain a distinct degree right here.

Following a rousing rendition of the himno nacional Mexicano, by María León, on Sunday afternoon, Nick Martinez and Sean Manaea remained on the sphere for over six full minutes, stationary up the first- and third-base traces, respectively.

“I saw him staying there,” Martinez mentioned. “I knew exactly what he was trying to do. So then I wasn’t backing down.”

Things escalated shortly between Martinez and Manaea, who shared adjoining lockers in San Diego final season. Martinez was adorned with the Padres’ house run sombrero — a brand new prop of their arsenal, debuted (and put to good use) on Saturday night time. Manaea, in the meantime, was introduced with a Lucha Libre masks, which he pulled partially over his head.

Midway by way of the take a look at of wills, Padres third baseman Manny Machado emerged from the dugout to provide Martinez with water and a towel. As first pitch neared, Padres beginning pitcher Yu Darvish playfully ran into Martinez on his strategy to the mound.

“I will stay out there as long as I need, I don’t care,” Martinez mentioned. “I’ve got no shame. … That’s the strategy.”

Eventually, with Darvish about to get unfastened, two umpires approached every participant and requested them to disperse. Manaea faked a transfer towards the dugout. Martinez did not flinch. Finally, Manaea broke, turning his again and strolling to the guests’ dugout.

Martinez lifted his sombrero, let loose a roar and saluted the group.