Tensions flared Monday night between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies after Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll was hit by pitches in consecutive at-bats. Phillies starter Matt Strahm plunked Carroll in both the first and third innings. Following the second hit-by-pitch, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo stormed onto the field and engaged in a heated exchange with Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Arizona's third base coach, Tony Perezchica, restrained Lovullo as both teams' benches emptied and converged near home plate. Umpire Vic Carapaza ejected Lovullo amidst the escalating confrontation. Lovullo later admitted he knew he was risking ejection by confronting Realmuto.
Adding to the drama, Strahm was observed exchanging words with someone in the Diamondbacks dugout after Christian Walker's flyout. Diamondbacks outfielder Josh Rojas was also ejected after a subsequent confrontation, prompting Phillies bench coach Jeff Banister to discuss the situation with Carapaza.
Despite the heated exchanges, Arizona emerged victorious with a 9-8 win, while Realmuto achieved a cycle in the losing effort. Realmuto downplayed the intensity of the confrontation with Lovullo, stating that the Diamondbacks manager was simply backing up his player and that the situation appeared more dramatic on video than it actually was.
Lovullo affirmed his respect for Realmuto following the game.
