Cade Cavalli chirps at Willson Contreras after strikeout, prompting benches to clear, multiple ejections between Red Sox, Nationals

Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli had something to say after striking out Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras Tuesday night.

The result was both teams clearing their benches, Contreras throwing his helmet and multiple ejections.

The incident took place in the bottom of the fourth inning of Tuesday’ game at Fenway Park. Cavalli struck Contreras out looking and immediately had something to say to the Boston first baseman.

Contreras, who’d started his walk to the dugout, looked immediately back at Cavalli and appeared to ask if Cavalli was talking to him. The two then walked directly toward each other, and both dugouts and bullpens cleared.

Willson Contreras strikeout leads to the benches clearing at Fenway 👀 pic.twitter.com/XzMuUmF8oP

— NESN (@NESN) July 1, 2026

Pushing and shoving ensued on the infield as Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez tried to hold Contreras back. But something else sparked Contreras to sprint toward the swarm of players.

Contreras removed his helmet and threw it into the pile of players in Cavalli’s direction. It wasn’t clear from the broadcast who said what to further escalate the situation.

Several of Contreras’ teammates eventually pulled him back, and things eventually calmed down. But Contreras’ day was done.

Umpires ejected Contreras, Red Sox pitcher Nate Eaton and interim Red Sox manager Chad Tracy. Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas was also ejected.Cavalli was not. Contreras was the only ejected player who was playing in the game.

The game resumed after the dustup with the Red Sox holding a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning.