Catcher Tiff Clears Benches in Rockies-Pirates Game

Benches emptied in Pittsburgh after Francisco Cervelli's HBP and spat with Rockies catcher Tony Wolters.

With none out and Andrew McCutchen aboard at first base in the bottom of the 5th inning of Wednesday's Rockies-Pirates game, Cervelli took a first-pitch fastball from Rockies pitcher German Marquez, resulting in a bench- and bullpen-clearing incident when Cervelli's catcher counterpart, Wolters, engaged him in a verbal dispute.

Replays indicate the pitch struck Cervelli on his upper left arm; it was the first hit batsman of the game and no warnings were issued by HP Umpire Chris Conroy, who coincidentally will work his first All-Star Game next month in Miami.

At the time of the bench clearing incident, the Rockies were leading, 3-0. Colorado ultimately on the contest, 5-1. Video via "Read More"

Alternate Link: Wolter's words waken walking water wanderer; watchful wardens wrangle warriors (PIT)