Red Sox and Tigers clear benches, Framber Valdez ejected after Trevor Story hit by pitch

DETROIT — The Red Sox took out their frustrations on Tigers lefty Framber Valdez with a 10-run barrage early in Tuesday’s game. Valdez appeared to show his frustrations by hitting Trevor Story with a pitch — and it led to his ejection as well as the benches and bullpens clearing.

After Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu hit back-to-back homers that gave the Red Sox a 10-2 lead in the fourth inning, Valdez drilled Story in the back with a 94 mph first-pitch fastball. Story was immediately held back by home plate umpire Adam Beck as members of the Red Sox dugout poured over the railing. Contreras came out and was particularly animated as players from both clubs spilled onto the field. No punches or pushes were thrown but both teams’ bullpens jogged in from left field.

Valdez was ejected by crew chief Dan Iassogna, who clearly believed the pitch was intentional. It ended a brutal night on the mound for Valdez, who allowed 10 runs (including seven earned runs) on nine hits (three homers) while recording just nine outs.

Both Story and interim Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said they thought the pitch was intentional, though Valdez denied it after the game, a 10-3 Boston win.

“Yes, I do think so,” said Tracy when asked if he thought the pitch was intentional. “I thought it was weak and I thought everybody saw it. Their side, our side, I think everybody saw it. It was weak.”

Added Story: “I was in there ready to hit and it showed up way behind me, off the numbers. I think we all know what’s what… It’s pretty indisputable.”

Valdez did not appear pleased with how Contreras flipped his bat and admired his homer after smoking a pitch 449 feet into the left-field bleachers.

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