BOSTON — The Yankees and Red Sox are expected to battle for the title in the AL East and on Wednesday, the two teams had their first fireworks of 2018 when the benches cleared in the top of the third inning at Fenway Park.

The fracas started after Tyler Austin slid late into second base on a Tyler Wade grounder to third. Austin was out on a force play, but Boston shortstop Brock Holt, who was covering the bag, took exception to the slide. He turned and said something to Austin, after which the two approached each other.

Players spilled out from the dugouts and bullpens, but no punches were thrown and no one was ejected.

The Red Sox called for a review of the play, but it was determined that the play was not reviewable.

With runners on the corners and the Yankees up 5-1, Miguel Andujar lined into an inning-ending double play.