Rockies, Cardinals Engage In Unusual Post-Anthem Standoff

DENVER (AP) - Colorado reliever Carlos Estevez and St. Louis outfielder Jose Martinez faced each other in an unusual way - a playful post-national anthem standoff .

With Wednesday's game about to start, Estevez and Martinez stood near their dugouts - with their hand over their heart - and refused to back down until the other moved first.

Martinez's teammates offered support by bringing him water and a batting helmet. Estevez's teammates countered by spraying him with sunscreen and giving him a catcher's mask. The befuddled umpiring crew didn't quite know what to do.

Apparently, Estevez relented first and made a winner of Martinez, who jumped up and down in celebration before retreating to the dugout.

The start of the game was delayed several minutes by the good-natured prank.

- By PAT GRAHAM, AP Sports Writer

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