Before a heated and confrontational top of the 7th at bat with two outs and the bases loaded, Orlando Cabrera had faced Tampa Bay's Grant Balfour on four separate occasions dating back to 2004 when Cabrera was with Montreal and Balfour was with the Twins. Cabrera lined a single in his first at bat, but Balfour has retired him in the three at bats since, including a strikeout in June. In the 7th inning at bat during Game 1 of the ALDS, Cabrera kicked dirt towards Balfour following his first offering that was outside off the plate. Cabrera appeared to be challenging Balfour to 'throw it' and pointed and banged his bat. Strike two came on a close check swing in which umpire Joe West said he went around. On a 2-2 pitch, Balfour struck out Cambrera swinging with a 95 MPH fastball at the belt on the outside half of the plate.