BOSTON — With the Nationals trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, Cade Cavalli struck out Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras looking and had some choice words for Contreras.

As Contreras was walking toward the dugout, he appeared to ask Cavalli, “Are you talking to me?” He then changed direction toward Cavalli. Catcher Keibert Ruiz tried to calm Contreras down but failed in his efforts.

Contreras exploded and escaped the grasps of his teammates who were trying to calm him down as Contreras and Cavalli jawed back and forth. The first baseman grew angrier and both benches cleared.

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It’s unclear what Cavalli said to ignite the fiery reaction from Contreras. In the middle of the fracas, Contreras tried to throw his helmet at Cavalli and instead hit first baseman Andrés Chaparro. In the brawl, Nationals right-hander Miles Mikolas, who pitched Monday, appeared to throw a punch.

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The umpires issued warnings to both teams. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy, outfielder Nate Eaton and Contreras were all ejected, as was Mikolas.

Boston fans booed Cavalli as he took the mound for the fifth inning.

This story will be updated.