D-backs’ Lovullo ejected, argument with umpire sparks benches clearing

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo’s argument with a second-inning strikeout call on A.J. Pollock Sunday led to the benches clearing and had Lovullo ejected.

Following the out, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina attempted to step through the umpire to get into Lovullo’s face. Molina shoved the umpire in order to do so.

Lovullo’s argument with the umpire in the eventual 4-1 Arizona win appeared to begin when the D-backs manager complained that Molina’s pitch-framing should not determine the umpire’s decision on calling balls and strikes.

Molina, within an earshot of the conversation, took exception to the argument and tried to step up into the face of Lovullo.

That prompted benches to clear and relievers to pour out of the bullpen.

After some pushing and shoving and umpire deliberation, Lovullo was sent to the clubhouse while Molina continued catching for the rest of the inning.

Outfielder David Peralta was also rung up on a questionable call in the previous inning, which added fuel to the incident.

This is the pitch on which Peralta was rung up in the first inning. pic.twitter.com/O8xHAxaOGl

— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) April 8, 2018

In his next at-bat in the bottom of the inning, Molina grounded out to shortstop Nick Ahmed.

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