Adrian Beltre had a rough night at the plate Friday against Los Angeles Angels right-hander Garrett Richards, but theTexas Rangers third baseman got the last laugh.
Beltre went 0-for-3 against Richards in Texas' 3-2 loss, breaking his bat in all three at-bats, but Beltre got even by sending the pitcher an invoice for $300 for the splintered lumber.
The invoice looked legit, inscribed with "Cash only, no checks" and Beltre's signature, according to The Orange County Register.
"I always love facing him," Richards said, according to the newspaper. "We have that good battle every time."
Richards responded to Beltre's ruse by sending him an autographed batting-practice bat. Richards wrote on it that he hoped it would repay his debt.
Beltre grounded out to second base in the top of the second inning, popped out to shortstop in the third and grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the sixth.
Richards pitched seven strong innings to earn the win, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks and striking out five.