Nats-Red Sox benches clear after heated Contreras-Cavalli exchange

Key Points:

• Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was ejected for the second consecutive game after throwing his helmet toward Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli during a heated exchange that led to benches clearing and multiple ejections.
• The incident stemmed from Cavalli striking out Contreras and reportedly shouting "Sit down, boy," a phrase with racial connotations, though Contreras declined to comment on a racial aspect and said he would let MLB handle it.
• The altercation escalated after Contreras approached Cavalli on the mound, leading to verbal exchanges and Contreras throwing his helmet, resulting in ejections of Contreras, Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy, outfielder Nate Eaton, and Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas.
• Cavalli cited earlier physical contact from Contreras in the game as a trigger for tensions, while Red Sox management criticized the decision not to eject Cavalli, who pitched seven strong innings with 13 strikeouts.
• Contreras expressed frustration over consecutive ejections and personal difficulties amid his home country's recent earthquakes, marking the first time in Red Sox history a player was ejected in back-to-back games.