Bee Colony Disrupts Dodgers-Diamondbacks Game at Chase Field

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ICARO Media Group
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01/05/2024 19h43

Chase Field in Phoenix was abuzz with excitement on Tuesday night as fans eagerly awaited the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, the anticipated first pitch was delayed by almost two hours due to an unexpected visitor - a colony of bees that had taken up residence atop the backstop netting.

Beekeeper Matt Hilton was summoned to the scene to resolve the situation. Dressed in white protective gear, Hilton cleared out the high-priced seats behind home plate before being raised up to the bees. Using a spray to stun the insects, he safely vacuumed them up to the cheers of the relieved fans. In a show of gratitude, the Diamondbacks invited Hilton to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game finally commenced at 8:35 p.m. MST, nearly two hours later than the scheduled 6:40 p.m. start time.

The unexpected delay proved to be just the beginning of an eventful night at Chase Field. The defending National League champions, the Dodgers, and this year's favorites to win it all, the Diamondbacks, engaged in an intense battle that extended into extra innings. Ultimately, it took 10 innings for the Dodgers to secure a narrow 4-3 victory over the persistent Diamondbacks.

The presence of the bee colony was initially brought to the attention of Arizona manager Torey Lovullo by a batboy just before the scheduled first pitch. Lovullo expressed his concern about the growing size of the hive and praised Major League Baseball (MLB) for their decision to delay the game in the interest of safety for players, fans, and everyone inside Chase Field.

"MLB had their hands on it," Lovullo acknowledged. "So I can see why they made that decision to slow it down and make sure that we were safe."

The saga of the bees added an unexpected twist to the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game, leading to an unforgettable night for both players and fans alike. Despite the delay and the fierce competition, the event showcased the collaboration between MLB and local beekeeper Matt Hilton in ensuring a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in attendance.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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