The Pirates and Reds have a longstanding division rivalry, but it boiled over on Sunday.
Tempers flared and eventually exploded in the eighth inning of the Pirates' 3-0 win over the Reds at Great American Ball Park to close the four-game series, resulting in five total ejections.
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It all started in the top of the eighth when reliever Pedro Villarreal hit Andrew McCutchen with a 91 mph fastball with two outs, sending the star center fielder to the ground. Entering Sunday's game, Pirates batters had been hit by a league-leading 59 pitches, with McCutchen enduring eight.
The Pirates retaliated in the bottom of the eighth when reliever Tony Watson struck second baseman Brandon Phillips on the back with the first-pitch, a 94 mph fastball, with one out. Within a few seconds, both dugouts and bullpins cleared.
Though no punches were thrown, the altercation was revived twice before the umpires could clear the field and resume the game.
Reds first baseman Joey Votto and outfielder Marlon Byrd were ejected in addition to Pirates first baseman Sean Rodriguez. Watson, who remained in the game, got the final two outs of the inning to keep the Reds scoreless.
“Honestly, I didn't think (hitting Phillips) was a big deal,” Watson said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “(The pitch) got away. I don't need to sit here and explain. All of the sudden, the dugouts spilled out. Old-school baseball stuff.”
Pirates closer Mark Melancon and manager Clint Hurdle were later tossed in the ninth after the right-hander hit catcher Tucker Barnhart with a pitch. Newly-acquired Joakim Soria took his place and finished the game for the save.
“I don't know what it is,” McCutchen told the Tribune. “We're too busy winning. I haven't had too much time to think about it. The good thing is, they're in our division and I get to face that guy again. I'm looking forward to it.”
The rivals will meet again in Cincinnati on Sept. 7 and in Pittsburgh on Oct. 2 to close the regular season.