Cliff Lee Brushes Back Denard Span; Phillies, Nats Empty Benches (Video)

The Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals emptied the benches Friday at Citizens Bank Park.

Nationals outfielder Denard Span requested time from home plate umpire Jim Reynolds as Phillies starter Cliff Lee was about to deliver a pitch. Time was not granted, and Lee’s pitch sailed inside on Span, clearly ruffling some feathers. Span could be seen muttering, “C’mon, man.”

The tension briefly subsided, but things escalated after Span grounded out. Span and Lee exchanged words, prompting both benches and bullpens to empty, although no punches were thrown.

Check out the bench-clearing argument in the video below.