Chicago White Sox pitcher Davis Martin was ejected Thursday from a game against the Cincinnati Reds after a pair of wild pitches near Reds rookie Sal Stewart's head prompted a benches-clearing incident. The Reds ultimately won the game 9-8.
The altercation began in the third inning with Stewart at the plate and a 0-1 count. Martin's first pitch sailed over the catcher and the batter, hitting the backstop. Stewart exchanged words with Martin, who appeared to signal the pitch was unintentional.
However, on the next pitch, a 92 mph fastball, Martin threw inside, hitting Stewart on the brim of his helmet. Stewart then pointed his bat at Martin, and players from both dugouts and bullpens quickly entered the field.
White Sox catcher Edgar Quero played a role in de-escalating the situation, stepping between Stewart and Martin and escorting Stewart toward the first base line. Following a review, umpires made the decision to eject Martin, who had yet to complete three innings of work.
Stewart had opened the scoring for the Reds earlier in the game with a home run off Martin. The Reds went on to score three runs in the first inning. Martin also allowed a two-run homer to Eugenio Suarez in that frame.
At the time of Martin's ejection, the White Sox had taken a 4-3 lead. However, the Reds scored four runs in the top of the fourth inning against reliever Erick Fedde, who was brought into the game on emergency notice, to regain an 8-4 advantage. The White Sox mounted a comeback, scoring three runs in the eighth and ninth innings combined, but fell short of tying the game.
Stewart, a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, is having a strong season for the Reds. He is batting .259 with a .811 OPS and 26 home runs.