According to Miami Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez, beanballs are one thing, but throwing at someone's head is a different story.
After Fernandez appeared to intentionally hit Nick Markakis with a fastball Wednesday, benches cleared when Atlanta Braves reliever Jose Ramirez threw a fastball of his own right at Fernandez's helmet.
"I find that a little over the line when you're throwing at somebody's head," Fernandez told reporters. "That's not how we play the game but it's not my call. Everybody does what they like when they've got the ball."
Related: Benches clear after Ramirez throws at Fernandez
Fernandez didn't completely dismiss the notion he may have intentionally beaned Markakis based simply on the fact he couldn't get him out with ease.
"You know, I play with a lot of emotions and I play with a lot of energy," Fernandez said. "That's the way that I am. I told him, I throw you one of the best breaking balls that I have and you hit it out. I throw another one and you hit the crap out of it."
Braves manager Brian Snitker took exception to Fernandez plunking Markakis after he belted a home run, and just missed a second.
"To me, Nick hits a ball out, almost another one, and gets squared up (by a Fernandez pitch)," Snitker said. "I don't think that was an accident. I don't feel bad blood when we play, just two teams going at it. Pretty hard-fought game, really."
At the end of the day, Ramirez was the only player to receive an ejection, while both he and Markakis left before reporters were allowed into the clubhouse.