Puig tossed as benches clear in Reds, Pirates game

Cincinnati slugger Yasiel Puig was among five players ejected after a mass brawl broke out in the Reds clash with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

Cuban star Puig was tossed from the game at PNC Park along with manager David Bell and reliever Amir Garrett.

Two Pirates players, pitchers Keone Kela and Felipe Vazquez, were also ejected after the benches cleared in the fourth inning.

Puig, who had to be restrained by team-mates, broke free to angrily confront a scrum of Pittsburgh players as tempers flared.

The brawl erupted after Pirates pitcher Chris Archer sent a 93mph fastball whistling behind Reds first baseman Derek Dietrich.

The provocative pitch appeared to be retaliation for Dietrich's conduct after smashing a mammoth home run in the second inning.

Dietrich had lingered at home plate for several seconds to watch his blast sail out of the stadium before setting off to round the bases.

Archer's pitch infuriated Reds skipper Bell, who marched onto the field to remonstrate with the umpiring crew.

That exchange brought players from both teams flooding onto the pitch with former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Puig leading the charge.

(AP)