Things got heated at PNC Park on Sunday as three Cincinnati Reds players and two Pittsburgh Pirates have been ejected following a benches-clearning incident in the top of the fourth inning.
Reds manager David Bell, outfielder Yasiel Puig and relief pitcher Amir Garrett, as well as two Pirates relievers, Keone Kela and Felipe Vázquez, were ejected for their involvement in the incident.
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Derek Dietrich hit a two-run home run in the second inning and admired his shot as it left the park, likely causing Chris Archer to throw behind his back when he came to the plate again in the fourth inning. Archer is known for being one of baseball's more flamboyant pitchers, often strutting and celebrating following strikeouts.
All aboard the showboat 🚢 pic.twitter.com/fqOj0CkjLK
— Cut4 (@Cut4) April 7, 2019
The umpire warned both teams following the wild pitch but that didn't stop the benches and bullpens from clearing out.
Bell immediately approached home-plate umpire Jeff Kellogg to argue the call, while players began pushing and shoving each other on the mound.
Several players were restrained, and at one point, Yasiel Puig appears to draw his elbow back to throw a punch.
Benches clear in Pittsburgh during Reds - Pirates game. pic.twitter.com/Dm6SSnvUNP
— MLB (@MLB) April 7, 2019
Archer was allowed to stay in the game and responded by strking Dietrich out.