Pirates-Yankees benches clear after heated exchange in eighth inning

Pirates-Yankees benches clear after heated exchange in eighth inning originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees turned an ordinary Monday night game into one of the most heated moments on the MLB schedule. Both benches and bullpens emptied during the top of the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium after tempers flared around second base. The confrontation came as the Yankees attempted to protect an 8-5 lead in the opening game of a three-game series between two clubs fighting for postseason position.