Benches clear during Sunday's Pirates-Nationals game

PITTSBURGH — Sunday’s Pirates-Nationals game took a turn in the third inning when players from both teams cleared the benches, meeting on the field at PNC Park.

In the top of the third, Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang faked a tag on Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper, who appeared to jar himself sliding around Kang. Harper initially stayed in the game before being replaced by Chris Heisey in right field for the bottom of the third.

At one point in the bottom of the third, Nationals pitcher A.J. Cole threw behind Kang and was ejected from the game.

That’s when tensions reached a breaking point and the benches cleared. The Pirates’ Sean Rodriguez was ejected.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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