Angels’ Torii Hunter ejected following tantrum

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Was that Torii Hunter, or Milton Bradley?

The normally mild-mannered and easy-going Hunter was ejected in the eighth inning of the Angels’ game against Detroit on Friday at Comerica Park after throwing a tantrum reminiscent of those from a certain volatile former Dodger.

Hunter was miffed after taking three consecutive called strikes from home plate umpire Ron Kulpa. The outfielder immediately started jawing and pointing at the umpire (pictured above) and was ejected as Angels Manager Mike Scioscia ran onto the field to separate his star player from Kulpa. Scioscia also wound up being ejected.

Hunter, whose two-run homer in the first inning had given the Angels an early lead, had to be restrained by third base coach Dino Ebel and first base coach Alfredo Griffin, who herded him into the dugout. Hunter then flung a bag of balls onto the field.

The Angels lead, 4-2, in the ninth inning.

-- Ben Bolch in Detroit