HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - The umpire called a player safe on a close play at first base. The spectator didn't like it and threw a beer bottle. The umpire dodged it, then punched the fan, knocking out one of his teeth.
That's what Beaufort County deputies said happened at a three-inning pickup softball game on Hilton Head Island Sunday night.
Tensions between the teams were high because about $3,400 was riding on the outcome, deputies said.
Rony Ruiz, 23, and several other fans stormed the field and began pushing the ump because a run scored on the play at first, cutting the lead of the team they were rooting for to 6-5 in the second inning, authorities said.
After Ruiz threw the bottle at 32-year-old umpire Nelson Montano, he punched Ruiz in the mouth, knocking out a tooth, according to a police report.
The men, whom Montano said are friends, appeared on Monday in municipal court, where they agreed to drop the charges.
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