Benches clear in Brewers-Red Sox after Boston pitcher's salty complaint about bunting

The 2024 Milwaukee Brewers are not a team to be pushed around. As such, they found themselves in yet another benches clearing situation in Sunday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox, one that was initiated for a seemingly silly reason.

In the top of the seventh inning and the game still tied 1-1, the Brewers went to small ball to try and manufacture the go-ahead run. First, Blake Perkins laid down a perfect bunt for an inning-opening single. Then, Brice Turang laid down another bunt to sacrifice Perkins over to second.

The strategy nearly worked when William Contreras ripped a shot to right, but his drive was snagged by first baseman Dominic Smith who trotted over to first for the out, though Perkins would move to third. The Brewers would fall short of taking the lead as Christian Yelich grounded into a 3-1 put out at first.

That was the extent of the half inning. No bat flips, staring down home runs, or smack talk from anyone on either team. And yet, when as the broadcast was about to head to commercial with the teams switching spots on the field, an argument started and benches on both sides cleared.

Apparently, the benches clearing incident began because Red Sox pitcher Chris Martin was salty about the Brewers bunting.

Let's first take a look at the video of the incident. At the very beginning, you can see Red Sox reliever Chris Martin walking off the field and chirping about something. Brewers first base coach Quintin Berry takes exception and then the benches empty.

As additional angles and replays became available on the broadcast, a simple lip reading made clear what Martin's issue was. Apparently, along with some colorful language, the veteran pitcher took exception to the fact that the Brewers laid down multiple bunts on him.

If this is the case, it is an extremely soft reason to get angry at another team. Though less common these days, bunting is obviously just a part of the game, whether bunting to get a hit, which the speedy Perkins often attempts to do, or sacrificing a runner over, which every team commonly does.

Whether Martin getting salty over the Brewers' bunt attempts was stupid or not, it might have been what the Red Sox needed to motivate them to finish Milwaukee off. They would later score the go-ahead run in the eighth and prevent a sweep by the Crew as they won 2-1.

The Brewers have been involved in multiple benches clearing events this yearfor a variety of different reasons. But I don't think many of us saw another one coming for the simple act of bunting.